CHARLOTTE — The Panthers are close to taking a significant step toward building a new 3-4 defense.
According to multiple reports, the Panthers are nearing a deal with Saints defensive tackle Shy Tuttle. The deal can't be finalized until the new league year starts on Wednesday at 4 p.m.
The former Saints defensive tackle gives them another stout run defender as they transition to a new defensive front.
Originally an undrafted free agent from Tennessee, Tuttle has started 29 games for the Saints the last two years. (And had a disrespectful interception and stiff-arm of former Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan in 2019).
Along with Derrick Brown (who is likely to play as a defensive end in this system), he gives them some more size up front, which is what they needed as they adjust their base defense.
The 6-foot-3, 300-pounder grew up in Lexington, N.C., and starred at North Davidson High before going to Tennessee.
Shy Tuttle played four seasons with the Saints from 2019-22, logging 143 tackles and 4.0 sacks.
New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Shy Tuttle (99) celebrates a fumble recovery during the second half of an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Jan. 9, 2022, in Atlanta. The New Orleans Saints won 30-20. (AP Photo/Danny Karnik)
New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) is sacked by Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Grady Jarrett (97) and defensive tackle Shy Tuttle (99) in the second half of an NFL football game in New Orleans, Sunday, Nov. 10, 2019. (AP Photo/Rusty Costanza)
New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Shy Tuttle (99) celebrates a fumble recovery during the second half of an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Jan. 9, 2022, in Atlanta. The New Orleans Saints won 30-20. (AP Photo/Danny Karnik)
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) passes under pressure from New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Shy Tuttle (99) in the second half of an NFL football game in New Orleans, Thursday, Nov. 25, 2021. (AP Photo/Derick Hingle)
New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Shy Tuttle (99) reacts during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers, Sunday, Nov.27, 2022, in Santa Clara, Calif. (AP Photo/Scot Tucker)
New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Shy Tuttle (99) in action during an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday, Sept. 18, 2022, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Tyler Kaufman)
New Orleans Saints defensive tackles David Onyemata (93) and Shy Tuttle (99) in action against the Philadelphia Eagles during an NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Rich Schultz)
Arizona Cardinals running back Eno Benjamin (26) runs past New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Shy Tuttle (99) and Saints defensive end Cameron Jordan, left, during the second half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Oct. 20, 2022, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Shy Tuttle (99) speaks with Los Angeles Chargers offensive tackle Zack Bailey (78) after an NFL preseason football game, Friday, Aug. 26, 2022, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Tyler Kaufman)
New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Shy Tuttle (99) and defensive lineman Malcolm Roach (97) celebrate during the second half of an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Jan. 9, 2022, in Atlanta. The New Orleans Saints won 30-20. (AP Photo/Danny Karnik)
New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Shy Tuttle (99) tips a pass attempt by Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Leonard Fournette (7) in the third quarter during the NFL game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints on Sunday, October 31, 2021 in New Orleans, LA. (Michael DeMocker / NFL LCC via AP)
Houston Texans running back Dameon Pierce (31) runs for a first down past New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Shy Tuttle (99) during the first half of an NFL preseason football game Saturday, Aug. 13, 2022, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley carries for a touchdown against New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Shy Tuttle (99) to defeat the Saints in overtime during an NFL football game in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 3, 2021. The Giants won 27-21. (AP Photo/Brett Duke)
New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Shy Tuttle (99) works against Atlanta Falcons offensive guard Chris Lindstrom (63) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 6, 2020, in Atlanta. The New Orleans Saints won 21-16. (AP Photo/Danny Karnik)
Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) looks for a receiver as he is rushed by New Orleans Saints' Shy Tuttle (99) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 12, 2021, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Stephen B. Morton)
Carolina Panthers quarterback Teddy Bridgewater (5) passes under pressure from New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Shy Tuttle (99) and defensive end Cameron Jordan (94) in the first half of an NFL football game in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 25, 2020. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Shy Tuttle (99) works against Atlanta Falcons offensive guard Chris Lindstrom (63) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 6, 2020, in Atlanta. The New Orleans Saints won 21-16. (AP Photo/Danny Karnik)
Seattle Seahawks' Alex Collins (41) carries between New Orleans Saints' Shy Tuttle (99) and Cameron Jordan (94) during the second half of an NFL football game, Monday, Oct. 25, 2021, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) throws as he is dragged down by New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Shy Tuttle (99) in the second half of an NFL football game in New Orleans, Sunday, Dec. 20, 2020. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
