The Carolina Panthers acquired Jared Allen from the Chicago Bears in a trade this week, and one former player gave the move his seal of approval.
Brian Urlacher, an 8-time Pro Bowler who competed against Allen in the NFC North for several years, texted Panthers head coach Ron Rivera to endorse Allen.
Brian Urlacher texted Ron Rivera and said of Jared Allen: "Coach, you're going to like this guy."
— Joe Person (@josephperson) September 30, 2015
Rivera was Urlacher’s defensive coordinator with the Bears from 2004-2006, which probably explains how/why they are on a texting basis. And though Allen’s play has fallen off — he only had 5.5 sacks last year compared to 11.5 the year before — the Panthers could use his help now that Charles Johnson is out indefinitely with a hamstring injury. Rivera is tentatively planning to play Allen 35-40 snaps per game at the right defensive end spot.
