According to reports, the Panthers have agreed to a contract with tight end Ben Hartsock. Terms of the deal are unknown at this time, but my guess is it's a one year deal in the $1M range. The Panthers don't have a lot of money to spend in free agency, but making small moves like this to build depth is a good way to form the roster for the 2013 season.

Hartsock has spent the last two seasons in Carolina, and while he hasn't done anything earth shattering he's been a valuable contributor on special teams and has been a good veteran presence in the locker room. The signing of Hartsock, along with the previously reported signing of FB/TE Richie Brockel, could spell the end for Gary Barnidge's time in Carolina as the team probably doesn't want to carry four TE's on the roster.

As always, stay tuned to CSR for information regarding Hartsock's contract, as we will provide the terms of his new deal as soon as they are available.