Carolina Panthers

The New Orleans Saints began paring down their roster Monday and released the following players: quarterback Luke McCown; tight end Jake Byrne; wide receivers Marques Clark, Kevin Hardy and Derek Moye; defensive backs Kamaal McIlwain, Cord Parks and Johnny Thomas; defensive linemen Remi Ayodele, Swanson Miller and Donavan Robinson; and linebacker Aaron Tevis.

The Panthers have signed receiver Domenik Hixon according to CBSSports.com NFL Insider Jason La Canfora. Panthers general manager Dave Gettleman was on the front office staff of the Giants when they signed Hixon in 2007.

The Rams waived tight end Demarco Cosby, defensive tackle John Henderson, cornerbacks Nate Ness and Chris Smith and running back Quinn Porter.

The 49ers traded defensive back Colin Jones to the Panthers on Friday in exchange for a seventh-round pick, according to the Sacramento Bee. Jones, a sixth-round selection in the 2011 NFL Draft, began last season on the San Francisco practice squad.

The Cowboys made their final cuts on Saturday in order to get down to the league-mandated 53 players, and there were some notable subtractions. Among the players released were FBs Chris Gronkowski, Jason Pociask Shaun Chapas and Isaiah Greenhouse; WRs Tysson Poots, Manuel Johnson, Lyle Leong and Teddy Williams; DBs Akwasi Owusu-Ansah, Mario Butler, Chris Randle, Andrew Sendejo, Josh Thomas and Collin Zych; LBs Mike Balogun, Kenwin Cummings, Orie Lemon, and Brandon Williams; DE Jimmy Saddler-McQueen and RB Lonyae Miller.

The Panthers made a small signing to try to shore up their defensive line Friday, signing 328-pound tackle Colin Cole. Cole has been in the league since 2004, but has not played since suffering an ankle injury in 2010. Details of the contract are not yet known.

With all eyes on QB Cam Newton, the Panthers turned to a trick play to stretch their big lead at Houston in Week 15. Newton took the snap, slipped the ball to Richie Brockel, and the tight end swung around the left side for a 7-yard touchdown run in the second quarter. It was the first touchdown of his career. "The whole defense really bit on that option," said Brockel. "The defense is so keyed on [Newton] and worried about him making the play, they sometimes forget about other things and their assignments." Brockel also had a 4-yard catch on the day.

Carolina safety Charles Godfrey recorded five tackles for the second game in a row Week 10 in a loss to Denver. Godfrey made four solo tackles in the loss but had no other discernible statistics in the game.

Carolina defensive lineman Greg Hardy could not play in the Week 17 regular-season finale at New Orleans Sunday. Hardy was not injured, but away from the team attending to a family matter. Hardy was excused from practice throughout the week to attend to the issue.

Panthers receiver Steve Smith will be 34 when the season starts, which will be his 13th in the NFL. Coach Ron Rivera said in an interview with CBSSports.com at the NFL owners meeting in Phoenix that he wants to make sure Smith remains fresh throughout the year and to prolong his career. "The thing about Steve that I’ve always been impressed with and will continue to be impressed with is how hard he does everything," Riversa said. "Not just on the football field, but off the football field. Everything he does he gives 100 percent. He really does put his all into it, and I think that’s why he’s been able to sustain for such a long time. As we go forward with Steve the thing we have to do is be smart with him. We have to put him in position to take advantage of his abilities and maximize his time. We don’t want to waste his time or his reps to make sure he’s getting quality reps and quality plays."

In addition to Boston College linebacker Luke Kuechly, the Panthers drafted Oklahoma defensive end Frank Alexander, Coastal Carolina cornerback Josh Norman and Cal safety D.J. Campbell. Alexander is a big, high-motor defender who had 19 tackles for loss last season. Norman's a good cornerback minus the top-end speed, and Campbell is a strong safety who is a good athlete with OK speed who should excel on special teams after doing a lot of it in college.

Panthers interim general manager Brandon Beane announced Tuesday wide receiver David Gettis (hamstring) was activated from the PUP list to replace receiver Kealoha Pilares, who went on injured reserve with a shoulder injury.

Panthers K Adi Kunalic was a healthy scratch for Week 15 at Houston. Kunalic had been signed earlier in the week as a possible replacement for K Olindo Mare, but the Panthers decided to go with Mare for at least one more week.

The Panthers will re-sign linebacker and special-teams ace Jordan Senn, the Charlotte Observer reports.

Notable players cut by the Rams Friday include: DT Cornell Banks; QB Tom Brandstater; DE Mason Brodine; LB Aaron Brown; LB Sammy Brown; DB Kendric Burney; QB Kellen Clemens; DE Vernon Gholston; TE Ben Guidugli; TE Cory Harkey; DE Jamaar Jarrett; WR Nick Johnson; FB Ovie Mughelli; TE Deangelo Peterson; RB Chase Reynolds and DE Scott Smith.

The Panthers are loaded at running back but that didn't stop them from drafting Oregon running back Kenjon Barner with a sixth-round pick in the NFL draft. Barner has 1,123 total yards and 14 touchdowns as a junior and 2,023 total yards and 23 touchdowns as a senior for the Ducks.

The Saints cut the following players on Friday: DE Braylon Broughton, LB Kadarron Anderson, LB Ezra Butler, WR Greg Camarillo, QB Sean Canfield, DE Alex Daniels, TE Michael Higgins, CB Nick Hixson, DB Jerico Nelson, TE Derek Schouman, WR Andy Tanner and LB Lawrence Wilson.

Panthers linebacker Thomas Davis led his team in tackles in Week 15 against the Chargers. He recorded 10 total (nine solo) including one for a loss in the 31-7 win.

Panthers coach Ron Rivera said in an interview with CBSSports.com at the NFL owners meeting in Phoenix that he's hoping Jonathan Stewart can stay healthy in 2013. With Carolina likely getting rid of DeAngelo Williams, Stewart could be a featured running back -- if he can stay on the field. "You’d love to have him stay healthy," Rivera said. "A guy like that can really be a dynamic player."

Ankle - Probable for start of training camp

The Charlotte Observer reports the Panthers signed safety Mike Mitchell. He spent the first four seasons of his career with the Raiders.

Jon Beason told the Panthers' official team website he's fine with a move to outside linebacker to better suit second-year player Luke Kuechly. Beason, who is rehabbing following shoulder and knee surgeries, has started at middle linebacker for all but eight games in his career. "I was drafted as an outside linebacker. I can play the position. I am familiar with the position. Some people may think I'm built for the position," Beason said. "But what we did not know before moving to the MIKE, was that my personality is geared toward being a MIKE linebacker. I'm greedy -- I want every play. Being in the middle allows me to have that freedom. Everybody else has to be more disciplined and be where they have to be. I enjoy (playing the MIKE), and I've done it at a high level for a long period of time."

Knee - Questionable for start of training camp

In addition to Boston College linebacker Luke Kuechly, the Panthers drafted Oklahoma defensive end Frank Alexander, Coastal Carolina cornerback Josh Norman and Cal safety D.J. Campbell. Alexander is a big, high-motor defender who had 19 tackles for loss last season. Norman's a good cornerback minus the top-end speed, and Campbell is a strong safety who is a good athlete with OK speed who should excel on special teams after doing a lot of it in college.

ESPN reports that Panthers quarterback Cam Newton said he's spent this offseason challenging himself to lose weight and "to become not a stronger player, but a smarter player." He said quarterbacks coach Ken Dorsey and offensive coordinator Mike Shula have helped him in those areas. Newton was the 2011 AP Offensive Rookie of the Year after a season in which he threw for 4,051 yards and scored 35 total touchdowns. In 2012 he threw for 3,869 yards and scored 27 total touchdowns. He also cut down on his interceptions, with 12 last season compared to 17 in his rookie season.

Yahoo Sports reports the Panthers and running back DeAngelo Williams have agreed to a restructured contract. The particulars of the deal hint at Williams lasting with the Panthers through the 2015 season.

Panthers kicker Graham Gano was 3 of 4 on field goals with five extra points Sunday in Week 17 at New Orleans. His long field goal was from 42 yards.

The Panthers claimed linebacker Doug Hogue off waivers from the Lions Tuesday.

The Panthers selected wide receiver Joe Adams from Arkansas with a fourth round pick in the NFL Draft. A four-year starter for the Razorbacks, Adams had his most productive season in 2011 as a senior with 54 catches for 652 yards along with averaging 16.9 yards per return last year with four touchdowns.

The Ravens drafted Iowa State linebacker A.J. Klein with a fifth-round pick in the NFL draft. He should serve as a good special-teams player and backup linebacker after being named a consensus All-Big 12 player in 2012.

Defensive back Captain Munnerlyn posted on Twitter he has re-signed with the Panthers.

The Panthers released defensive lineman Frank Kearse on Friday in order to create a spot on the active roster for fellow defensive lineman Nate Chandler from the practice squad. Chandler was among Carolina's last round of cuts during the preseason.

The Panthers have re-signed backup tight end Ben Hartsock.

The Panthers have released defensive tackle Ron Edwards.

Panthers tight end Greg Olsen closed his 2012 season with a quiet game Sunday at New Orleans in Week 17. He had four catches for 43 yards on five targets. This is now three games in a row to close the season with single digits in Fantasy points following two games in a row with double digits in points.

Notable Texans players either waived or released Friday include: tight end Logan Brock, defensive end Keith Browner, outside linebacker D.J. Bryant, nose tackle Hebron Fangupo, defensive end David Hunter, wide receiver Juaquin Iglesias, outside linebacker Delano Johnson, defensive end Mitch King, inside linebacker Shawn Loiseau, wide receiver Jeff Maehl, outside linebacker Rennie Moore and tight end Phillip Supernaw.

The Panthers signed linebacker Mario Addison off the Redskins' practice squad Tuesday.

Less than 24 hours after being released by the Seahawks, DL Kentwan Balmer was claimed by the Panthers. The team announced the move hours before their preseason game against the Bengals on Thursday. To make room for Balmer, the team placed CB Cletis Gordon on the injured reserve.

ESPN reports Ted Ginn has signed a one-year deal with the Panthers.

The Panthers selected another defensive tackle in the second round of the NFL draft, taking Kawann Short from Purdue with the 44th overall pick. The move comes after Carolina selected defensive tackle Star Lotulelei from Utah in the first round Thursday night. The 6-foot-3, 308-pound Short started 50 straight games for the Boilermakers and had 19.5 sacks during his college career.

Panthers linebacker Luke Kuechly was named Defensive Rookie of the Year by the Associated Press Saturday. Kuechly led the league with 164 tackles to go along with two interceptions and a sack in his first season in the league. "He is everything we thought he would be and more," head coach Ron Rivera said. "He has a bright future here with us, and you feel very good about him leading our defense."

The Panthers placed safety Sherrod Martin (knee) on injured reserve Tuesday.

Notable Browns players cut on Friday include: DT Ronnie Cameron, WR Josh Cooper, CB James Dockery, DE William Green, TE Dan Gronkowski, LB Benjamin Jacobs, TE Evan Moore, DL Ernest Owusu, DL Brian Schaefering, FB Brad Smelley, LB Quinton Spears, RB Adonis Thomas, DL Kiante Tripp, QB Seneca Wallace and WR Rod Windsor.

Free agent defensive back D.J. Moore signed a one-year contract with the Panthers Tuesday, after spending four seasons with the Bears. Moore started two games a year ago for the Bears.

Notable players cut by the Panthers Friday include: receiver Lamont Bryant, defensive tackle Nate Chandler, tight end Joe Jon Finley, safety Jonathan Nelson, safety Jordan Pugh, tight end Nelson Rosario, safety Reggie Smith, running back Armond Smith and linebacker Jason Williams.

The Panthers promoted safety Anderson Russell from the practice squad to the active roster Tuesday.

Carolina defensive end Charles Johnson played well Sunday in the season finale at New Orleans. He had two sacks against Drew Brees to finish the season with 12.5. He also had 41 tackles on the year.

The Panthers have re-signed unrestricted free agent defensive tackle Dwan Edwards, the team announced Wednesday. Signed one week prior to the Panthers season opener in 2012, Edwards started all 14 games he played, missing two with a wrist injury. Edwards’ six sacks on the season were a career high, ranked third in the NFL among defensive tackles and were tied for the second-most by a defensive tackle in Panthers history.

The Panthers have signed Drayton Florence, giving them a respectable cornerback.

The Panthers released defensive lineman Frank Kearse on Friday in order to create a spot on the active roster for fellow defensive lineman Nate Chandler from the practice squad. Kearse joined Carolina last season after being signed off the Dolphins' practice squad.

The Carolina Panthers plan to place starting rookie DL Sione Fua (hamstring) on injured reserve, according to The Associated Press. Fua suffered a significant right hamstring strain prior to Week 13 against Tampa Bay and didn’t play. It's unclear if he will need surgery.

The Panthers placed linebacker Antwan Applewhite (hamstring) on injured reserve Tuesday.

The Panthers claimed linebacker Jason Williams off waivers from the Eagles and waived cornerback Ron Parker Monday.

Utah defensive tackle Star Lotulelei slipped right into the Panthers' claws with the 14th overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft. He figures to immediately slide into the defensive line and help the Panthers' run defense and pass rush. Carolina ranked 14th against the run last season.

Panthers coach Ron Rivera said in an interview with CBSSports.com at the NFL owners meeting on Wednesday that Brandon LaFell will likely remain the starter opposite Steve Smith this season. "Brandon LaFell has developed into a very solid football player," Rivera said. "The fun thing to watch about Brandon is his growth. He’s going to continue to grow and become a better and better football player. The thing I like about him is his ability to get into tight spaces and make good catches. I’m excited about him, and I look forward to him progressing."

Quarterback Derek Anderson is remaining with the Carolina Panthers as Cam Newton's backup. Anderson told The Associated Press has agreed to a one-year deal and that he will sign the contract later Wednesday. Financial details were not disclosed. "I'm excited to come back be a part of such a great locker room," Anderson said. "It's a team that I feel is on the rise. We have some work to do but we feel like we ended on a high note last season."

Panthers running back Mike Tolbert closed the season on a high note in Week 17 at New Orleans. He had 10 carries for 25 yards and three touchdowns and added one catch for 22 yards. He closed the season with five touchdowns in his final three games and finished with seven touchdowns on the season.

The Panthers placed safety Haruki Nakamura on injured reserve Tuesday because of a groin injury.

Panthers interim general manager Brandon Beane announced Tuesday wide receiver David Gettis (hamstring) was activated from the PUP list to replace receiver Kealoha Pilares, who went on injured reserve with a shoulder injury.

Cornerback Chris Gamble has decided to retire, his agent tells ESPN.

The Panthers have released linebacker Kenny Onatolu.

Carolina wide receiver Armanti Edwards took advantage of the team being without starting receiver Brandon LaFell on Sunday of Week 9 at Washington. Edwards, who may not have been in there otherwise, hauled in an 82-yard reception from quarterback Cam Newton in the fourth quarter. The catch led to a touchdown to put the game away for Carolina. For Edwards, it was his only catch and only target of the game.

A day after head coach Ron Rivera suggested that Jeremy Shockey might retire, the Panthers tight end posted on Twitter that it's not going to happen. Apparently Tweeting from Rio, Shockey wrote, "Why is everyone talking about retirement?? Football season is in sep right"

Panthers rookie defensive lineman Frank Alexander, who recorded the first sack of his career last week against the Giants, added 1 1/2 more Week 4 at Atlanta. Those were his only two tackles.

The Atlanta Falcons made their first round of cuts Monday and released the following players: quarterback John Parker Wilson; tight ends Chase Coffman and Aron White; linebacker Max Gruder; kicker Erik Folk; running backs Richard Medlin and Lee Meisner; defensive lineman Louis Nzegwu and wide receiver Kenny Stafford.

The Panthers elevated running back Armond Smith from the practice squad to the active roster Tuesday.

The Charlotte Observer reports that the Panthers might waive QB Jimmy Clausen to save just over $900,000 in salary cap space. Clausen has been replaced by Cam Newton as the starting quarterback in Carolina.

Carolina released DL Ronald Fields on Tuesday after six games with the team this season, according to ESPN. Fields had just seven total tackles, but recorded just one stop over his past two games.

The Carolina Panthers made their first round of cuts Monday and waived the following players: kicker Olindo Mare; wide receivers Darvin Adams, Michael Avila, Brenton Bersin and Rico Wallace; running backs Lyndon Rowells and Josh Vaughan; defensive lineman Eric Norwood and tight end Greg Smith.

Notable players cut by the Panthers Friday include: receiver Lamont Bryant, defensive tackle Nate Chandler, tight end Joe Jon Finley, safety Jonathan Nelson, safety Jordan Pugh, tight end Nelson Rosario, safety Reggie Smith, running back Armond Smith and linebacker Jason Williams.

Notable players waived by the Panthers on Friday include: WR Seyi Ajirotutu, CB Darius Butler (waived/injured), WR Jared Green, LB David Nixon, DT Ogemdi Nwagbuo, RB Tauren Poole (waived/injured), CB R.J. Stanford, DL Ryan Van Bergen and LB Kion Wilson.

The agent for Chase Blackburn says the former Giants linebacker has agreed on a two-year contract with the Panthers. Richard Katz said Wednesday his client is "thrilled" to join the Panthers. Blackburn has primarily been a special teams player during his eight seasons with the Giants, but started 15 games last season at middle linebacker and had 64 tackles, three sacks and one interception. It's unclear if Blackburn can break into a starting lineup in Carolina that includes AP Defensive Rookie of the Year Luke Kuechly, Jon Beason and Thomas Davis. Blackburn has played in 113 games during his career and started 36. Financial terms weren't released.

The Panthers announced Wednesday they signed cornerback James Dockery.