Tuesday, March 18, 2008

Panthers Add DJ Hackett

The Carolina Panthers signed free agent wide receiver DJ Hackett to a two-year contract on Monday. The signing brings the number of actual living, breathing NFL wide receivers on the roster to three, up from one last year. Hackett joins the Panthers as the #2 wideout, according to his agent, Kevin Robinson.

Earlier this offseason, the Panthers welcomed back Muhsin Muhammad, a long time Panther who spent several years with the Chicago Bears. General manager Marty Hurney and head coach John Fox are hopeful that Hackett and Muhammad can open things up for All-Pro wideout Steve Smith.

Also, having more proven veterans on the roster should provide more tutelage for 2nd-year player Dwayne Jarrett, who had trouble learning the playbook and barely saw the field as a rookie. Jarrett faces potential disciplinary action after a recent DWI arrest.

The two additions should more than make up for the departures of Keary Colbert and Drew Carter, neither of whom could develop into consistent performers. Colbert has signed a free agent contract with the Denver Broncos, and Carter recently joined the Oakland Raiders.

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