Jared Allen to Panthers: Latest Trade Details, Comments and Reaction

The Carolina Panthers' top-flight defense added a tantalizing new contributor in five-time Pro Bowler Jared Allen after executing a trade with the Chicago Bears on Monday.

The Panthers confirmed that the deal was done, pending a physical. Fox Sports' Jay Glazer reported that the Bears are receiving a sixth-round pick in return and explained the Panthers' rationale for bringing Allen aboard:

Later in the day, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported the Bears traded former second-round pick Jon Bostic to the New England Patriots in exchange for a sixth-round pick.

After the Allen trade, Bears general manager Ryan Pace issued a statement: "We had some depth at the linebacker position and were able to reach an agreement with the Panthers. Whether it is acquiring additional picks or signing players, we will continue to be aggressive in finding ways to improve. We appreciate Jared’s contributions and wish him the best in Carolina."

Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune alluded to the relatively low risk Carolina is taking on in the deal:

Allen was indeed a square peg trying to fit into a round hole in the Windy City. New Bears defensive coordinator Vic Fangio runs a strict 3-4 scheme, whereas Allen has always thrived as a 4-3 defensive end. Dianna Marie Russini of ESPN.com reported this will be the first of multiple trades the Bears will make as they look to unload players who don't fit their current scheme. 

In his first year as a Bear in 2014, Allen's streak of double-digit-sack seasons ended at seven when he registered only 5.5. Although Allen does have an interception this season, he didn't register a sack during Chicago's 0-3 start.  

"We lose a leader, a leader out of the locker room, a great guy," Bears linebacker Pernell McPhee said after news of the deal broke. 

ESPN's Adam Schefter alluded to the circumstances that sprung Carolina into action:

Panthers head coach Ron Rivera spoke about Charles Johnson's injury situation Monday, revealing he's already been ruled out for Week 4, via Panthers.com's Bryan Strickland:

"

We'll see how it is after this week is over and how he is during the bye week with treatments and when he starts working out. We'll see how long it will be, but he'll most certainly be out this week for sure. Hopefully he'll get an opportunity to have it calm down a lot and get his strength back, and we'll see how he is out of the bye week.

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The undefeated Panthers are a better fit for Allen on paper and provide him the chance to play for a contender. Carolina also has elite linebackers in Luke Kuechly and Thomas Davis who will be behind Allen on the front seven to free him up.

Second-year player Kony Ealy has yet to register a sack in 2015. With Johnson out of the lineup for the time being, it stands to reason Allen can step in and be an immediate starter as Carolina prepares for a critical NFC South showdown with the Buccaneers at Tampa Bay in Week 4.  

There's a fair chance both Allen and Ealy will find early pass-rushing success if the beginning of the year is any indication. The Buccaneers have a rookie quarterback in Jameis Winston whose offensive line is ranked 30th in pass protection by Football Outsiders.

The timing of Carolina's Week 5 bye is also advantageous for Allen. He will likely pick up the Panthers system in short order given his immense experience, but the extra time he'll have to digest the schematics makes this trade sound even better.