National Football League

Panthers get Chiefs DL Tyler for 5th-rounder

Published Oct. 20, 2009 2:48 a.m. ET

Alex Marvez

The Carolina Panthers have bolstered their defensive line before Tuesday's NFL trading deadline.

Kansas City has sent Tank Tyler to the Panthers for a 2010 fifth-round draft choice, a source told FOXSports.com.

Fantasy impact

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Tyler started just two of Kansas City's first six games after running with the first-team defense for all of 2008. A 2007 third-round pick, Tyler may be better suited to play defensive tackle in a 4-3 scheme rather than the 3-4 that the Chiefs have installed. He is credited with 22 tackles and no sacks in 2008.

The Panthers are hoping Tyler can help compensate for the loss of defensive tackle Maake Kemoeatu, who was lost to a season-ending Achilles' tendon injury in August.

The Tyler trade is yet another step in the roster housecleaning being done by first-year Chiefs general manager Scott Pioli. Defensive lineman Turk McBride, who was chosen ahead of Tyler in the second round of the 2007 draft, was waived last month and claimed by Detroit.

Tyler had one tackle as a backup in Sunday's 14-6 win over Washington. Tyler was demoted behind Ron Edwards after starting the first two games this season.

"I feel that Ron in there gives us the best chance to win right now," Chiefs coach Todd Haley recently said. "Obviously, Tank can change that by improving his game."

The Panthers (2-3) are ranked 28th in the NFL in run defense. Opponents are averaging 149.2 yards a game and have scored five touchdowns.