Today ended what will probably be remembered as the worst move of the Marty Hurney era as the Carolina Panthers released DE Everette Brown. Drafted in the second round in 2009, Brown cost the Panthers a 2010 1st round pick as Hurney moved up in the draft to get the Florida State pass rusher. At the time of the selection Brown was thought to be cut from the same cloth as similarly undersized DE Dwight Freeney, but as it turned out he lacked the strength or ability to either rush the passer effectively, or support in the run game. Much like the cuts of Brandon Meriweather and Brandon Tate by New England yesterday this move reeks of the Panthers trying to trade Brown only to not be able to find a partner.

As a replacement the Panthers claimed DE George Selvie off waivers from the St. Louis Rams. A 2010 7th round selection out of South Florida, Selvie played in 16 games last year totaling 21 tackles and 1.5 sacks. At 6'4", 251lbs he's a similarly small DE as Brown, but the Panthers obviously feel like he's a better fit. Furthermore, he does have some familarity with the DL as he played with 2011 3rd round pick Terrell McClain at USF. 

More after the jump

Shockingly (to me anyway) the Panthers chose not to place a claim on WR Brandon Tate who heads to Cincinnati. Obviously the Panthers are either happy with their receivers, or have another move prepared.

To bolster the secondary Carolina claimed two players off waivers, the first being CB Josh Thomas a 2011 5th round pick. From what I can tell this is similar tothe move that brought Matt Moore from Dallas to Carolina in 2007. It appears from most sources it was the Cowboys plan to stash Thomas on the practice squad, but clearly the Panthers were interested in his abilities immediately, willing to add him to their 53. 

Perhaps the most puzzling move thus far was the signing of S Stevie Brown. If there's one thing this new coaching staff seems to love it's their safeties, as Brown represents the next in a long line of players brought in at the position (Sean Considine, Kevin Payne, Michael Greco). To me, this move likely represents the end of Payne's brief tenure as he was on the bubble during yesterday's cuts. Brown, a 7th round pick in 2010 out of Michigan appeared in 15 games in 2010 where he amassed 30 tackles and 2 passes defended. 

We'll update you throughout the day as more moves happen.