Allen Bailey spends time with Carolina Panthers
By Matt Conner
The Carolina Panthers were among the three teams rumored to be interested in former Kansas City Chiefs defensive lineman Allen Bailey.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter is reporting that Allen Bailey is taking his first visit with the Carolina Panthers on Monday. The Panthers are one of three teams who have reported interest in bringing in Bailey for his ninth NFL season.
Bailey is a free agent for the first time in four years after wrapping his second NFL contract with the Kansas City Chiefs. Earlier this offseason, it was made clear the Chiefs wanted Bailey back, at least under the right circumstances, but they faced known competition from the Panthers as well as the New England Patriots. It’s still unknown if Bailey has yet visited New England.
Bailey is coming off of another year in which he showed he can be a decent all-around player on the edge. The veteran put up a career-high total in sacks with 6 in 2018, although Pro Football Focus graded his efforts at “average.”
Bailey is a versatile defender along the front line, which should help his cause with many teams as he’s scheme versatile. In 959 snaps last year for the Chiefs defense, Bailey had 36 pressures on the quarterback. He also forced two fumbles in 2018.
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Bailey came into the NFL with the Chiefs as the team’s third round selection in the 2011 NFL Draft out of the University of Miami (Florida). He instantly became a quick contributor, playing in all 16 games during his rookie campaign. Since then he’s grown into a starter on the outside, with 26 starts over the last two years for the Chiefs.