The Carolina Panthers have signed unrestricted free agent linebacker Jason Trusnik to a one-year contract, the team announced Tuesday.
“I see the camaraderie that the players and coaches and general manger have here – the vision they have for their team, what kind of people they bring in and their attitude about winning,” Trusnik said. “I think that says a lot about the Carolina Panthers and what they have going here. I look forward to being a part of that. Where this team is headed, what they have done these past couple of years going to the playoffs, I’m excited to be a part of that and know there is more to be done here.”
An eight-year NFL veteran, Trusnik, 6-4 and 252 pounds, joins the Panthers after four seasons (2011-14) with the Miami Dolphins. In 2014, Trusnik played in all 16 games with five starts and recorded 39 tackles, two passes defensed, one forced fumble and two fumble recoveries. He added six tackles on special teams.
“Jason is an experienced player who adds more competition to the linebacker position and has also been a special teams ace,” head coach Ron Rivera said. “I expect him to come in and be a leader. Even though he is new to us, he’s got veteran savvy to him.”
Trusnik entered the NFL in 2007 with the New York Jets as an undrafted rookie free agent from Ohio Northern. Trusnik spent time with the Jets (2007-09) and Cleveland Browns (2009-10) before joining the Dolphins. He has played in 109 games with 25 starts for his career and totaled 146 tackles, 3.5 sacks, four passes defensed, one forced fumble and three fumble recoveries. He has added 76 tackles on special teams and in 2009 was named the AFC’s Special Teams Player of the Week for his performance against Tennessee (9/27/09) in Week Three after posting two tackles, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery.
