Dave Gettleman's first real offseason move was to sign Super Mario Addison to a 3-yr/22.5m deal. Addison, who will turn 30 years old this season, led the team in sacks 2016. Addison has been a player viewed as a situational pass-rusher for the six years he's been in the league. Last season, Addison's 9.5 sacks and 49 QB hurries showed he can get after the passer, but Carolina's prioritization of Addison suggests they believe he is more than just a situational player. 

Addison has been pretty open about his difficult journey in his six-year career. He played for the Bears, the Colts, and the Redskins before being claimed off of Washington's practice squad in 2012. The journey, however, made him into the player he has become, and the destination of becoming an every down defensive end looks to finally come to fruition in Carolina. Addison confided, "Every year, you've got to improve. If you don't, you get left behind. I'm just going to give my all, like I always have, and continue to develop into the player I know I can be – just ball out."

With Kony Ealy hiding the shadows and Charles Johnson flashing his AARP card, Carolina is going to need Addison to do just that--ball out.  The question, however, is who will compliment Super Mario.

By the Professor, aka Tony Dunn
Follow @Cat_Chronicles for the latest Panthers news and opinions from the fan perspective.