Panthers, ex-Giant Short agree to terms on $4.5M deal

Another linebacker from the Giants is on the verge of joining John Fox's Panthers.

Brandon Short, the Giants' starting strongside linebacker, told SportsLine.com he has agreed to terms on a three-year deal worth about $4.5 million, including a $1.5 million signing bonus.

"I thought I was going to Arizona, but I'm very happy to join one of the best defenses in the league," said Short, minutes after agreeing to terms. "I'm happy to get a chance to play for Coach Fox again."

Short was offered the starting strongside job in Arizona and Minnesota and was also courted by the Washington Redskins and Houston Texans. Washington, however, offered a three-year deal for the league minimum, including a meager $100,000 to sign.

Short also heard from Texans' GM Charley Casserly on Tuesday, but Short was not assured of a starting job with Dom Capers' squad.

"I haven't signed the deal yet, but I have agreed to terms," he said. "The entire opportunity was just too good to pass up."

In addition to Short, Jessie Armstead shunned an offer to be a starting linebacker with the Cleveland Browns to re-join Fox, his defensive coordinator in New York.

Armstead and Short are both slated to compete with Mark Fields for a starting job on the NFC champs' defense.