Last year, Carolina Panthers general manager Dave Gettleman cobbled together a secondary out of low-cost spare parts largely picked up in free agency. It resulted in an NFC South title.
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He's taking the same approach this season. Roman Harper has agreed to a two-year, $4.5 million contract with the Panthers, according to NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport, per a source who has spoken with Harper. The deal included a $1.5 million signing bonus.
ESPN first reported the deal.
Harper essentially replaces Mike Mitchell, an enforcer at safety that left for a big-money deal in Pittsburgh. Harper has a similar skill set as a big hitter that is a liability in coverage.
Despite his gray hair, Harper is just 31 years old. We've already hit the bargain-shopping portion of free agency, and Carolina found a worthwhile gamble. The Panthers need competent players that can take snaps because Gettleman is practically starting from scratch in the secondary again.
The "Around The League Podcast" breaks down all the free-agency moves and hands out a fleet of high-octane sandwiches.
