The Carolina Panthers signed linebacker Chase Blackburn on Wednesday, with Blackburn tweeting the news out himself. It's a two-year contract with Carolina, according to Chris Wesseling of NFL.com.
Chase Blackburn signs with Panthers
Linebacker Chase Blackburn is headed to the Carolina Panthers after eight years with the Giants.
Brad Penner-US PRESSWIRE
Blackburn started 15 games for the New York Giants last season after spending the majority of his first seven seasons as a backup. In 2012, he totaled 98 tackles, six passes defended, five forced fumbles, three sacks, and one interception.
In Carolina he will return to his role as a backup, adding depth behind Luke Kuechly, Jon Beason and Thomas Davis. The Panthers struggled with injuries to their linebacking corps last year and lost James Anderson to the Bears, so Blackburn should offer a valuable insurance policy.
The Giants replaced Blackburn when they signed Dan Connor earlier this offseason. New York still had interest in bringing Blackburn back, but was only willing to offer a one-year contract for the veteran's minimum.
Carolina general manager Dave Gettleman went after Blackburn, a player he was familiar with from his time as a Giants executive.
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