Panthers Sign LB Landon Johnson

The upheaval of the Panthers roster continues. The Panthers have locked up former Bengals LB Landon Johnson.

A former third-round draft choice of Cincinnati, Johnson has started 53 games during his four-year career. He's started 16 games and has 112 and 109 tackles in each of the past two seasons.

Here’s what Josh over at SB Nation Bengals blog Cincy Jungle has to say about Johnson:

Landon Johnson is a solid linebacker that's both versatile and durable. He's played significant time at outside and inside linebacker. My biggest criticism of Landon was that he became average if he locked up with a blocker and he's always struggled to find space inside. He's a guy that you will feel comfortable about putting on the field, but he's not a play-maker by any means.

Solid signing for you guys.

This may indicate the Panthers are content to let Adam Seward go to New England. I know Jon Beason is set in the middle and I have a hard time thinking Johnson can unseat Thomas Davis on the strong side. The Panthers must be thinking he can challenge Na’il Diggs at weak side and also be the 4th LB in the exotic nickel formations. Johnson has experience playing all three positions so he will be the #1 back-up if he doesn't beat out Diggs.

This is quickly moving towards the most active free agency period in Panthers history.