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And we're starting to see some signings! The Panthers had brought in Roman Harper for a visit this past week, but he reportedly left without a contract. It appears the Panthers had figured out a deal that sufficed for Roman Harper, so the two sides agreed. Harpers deal comes with a $1.5 million dollar signing bonus to top off the two year deal.
We saw a deal similar to this one offered to Dwan Edwards last season, and in the same fashion it took a few days for Harper to accept it. Harper addresses a big need at safety, as Mike Mitchell and Quintin Mikell left for free agency, and Charles Godfrey could be a cap casualty as well. This signing indicates that Carolina will likely go in the same direction they did last year, having a heavy box safety who will rotate with Robert Lester. Harper is a good fit for the strong safety position here in Carolina, as he's logged 17 sacks and 14 forced fumbles over his career. He should be utilized as a blitzer and run support safety, though Harper is a former Pro Bowler and adds a veteran presence.
Some of us fans here in Carolina will always remember Harper with angst for his late hit on Steve Smith in the 2011 season, but this signing definitely benefits the secondary.