CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- The Carolina Panthers shored up their offensive and defensive lines Tuesday by reaching deals with nose tackle Ron Fields and guard Reggie Wells.
Fields gives the Panthers some much needed experience up front, where they have two rookies, Sione Fua and Terrell McClain, and a second-year pro, Andre Neblett. Fields has started 25 games during his six NFL seasons, including 16 in 2009 with the Denver Broncos. He was released by the Miami Dolphins earlier this month.
Wells has started 91 games during his eight seasons in the league, the first seven with the Arizona Cardinals. He played with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2010 and started one game late in the season. He was released this summer.
Because the Panthers waited until after Week 1 to sign both players, neither contract is guaranteed.
To make room on the roster, the Panthers will place middle linebacker Jon Beason on season-ending injured reserve Wednesday with a torn Achilles' tendon. The other roster spot was created when the team released guard Max Jean-Gilles before Sunday's 28-21 season-opening loss at Arizona.