Charles Johnson to visit Buccaneers in 2016 NFL free agency

Charles Johnson will visit the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after visiting the New York Giants, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports. Johnson was cut by the Carolina Panthers earlier this week, probably for cap reasons. He was set to make $11 million in 2016.

Johnson missed seven games of the 2015 season with a hamstring injury, and managed just one sack over the other nine. However, he had three sacks in the playoffs -- one in each game -- and his power and explosiveness were still on display. He had 52.5 sacks from 2010 through 2014 -- an average of 10 per season -- and was a major reason why the Panthers have had a dominant defense for years on end.

Johnson has primarily played left defensive end in his career, and would likely suit up there if signed by the Bucs. He's not just a pass-rusher, he's also an outstanding run defender. Tampa Bay desperately needs to find an edge rusher, and Johnson is one of the top free agents available, along with Mario Williams, Jason Pierre-Paul and Tamba Hali.