Panthers Sign Free Agent DE Brayton

This is a typical low level Panthers free agent acquisition. Brayton is a highly drafted underachiever looking for a fresh start.

Brayton, 28, was a first-round pick in 2003 by Oakland, No. 32 overall. He didn't produce as expected and was tried at defensive end, defensive tackle and outside linebacker. He started 47 games in his first four seasons and spent last season as a backup.

He has six career sacks.

The Panthers are hoping Brayton will resurrect his career like DT Damione Lewis did when he left St. Louis. Brayton will certainly get his chance unless the Panthers use an early pick on a DE.

Brayton (6-foot-6, 280 pounds) is expected to compete for time at right defensive end. On third downs, Brayton also could move inside to defensive tackle to provide an inside pass rush.

So now we have an experienced guy to compete with Charles Johnson and Stanley McClover. This may be a signal the Panthers are not going to draft a DE early. Hard to tell they may just be hoping to upgrade the back-up position. Maybe they have lost confidence in Stanley McClover? It’s still too early to tell.