The Panthers invested in a little more talent to bulk up their defensive line, adding former Nittany Lion and Indianapolis Colt Ed Johnson on Wednesday.
Johnson, who was undrafted out of Penn State, started 16 games for the Colts as a rookie in 2007, notching 63 tackles, one forced fumble and one sack on the season.
Johnson was busted for marijuana possession in 2008 and was subsequently waived. The Colts re-signed Johnson in May of 2009, who then waived him a second time the following October.
Colts head coach Jim Caldwell stated that Johnson was waived not because of a character issue, but because they needed to clear a spot for another kicker after Adam Vinatieri was sidelined with a knee injury.
Panthers defensive coordinator Ron Meeks was Johnson's defensive coordinator during his stint with the Colts.
Known as a run-stuffing defender, the 6' 2" 296-lb. Johnson will enter camp at a position that was seen as a weakness for the Panthers last season after veteran tackle Ma'ake Kemoeatu was lost with a torn Achilles tendon during the first drill of training camp. Trades for Louis Leonard from the Browns and Tank Tyler from the Chiefs provided no solution as both players ended up on injured reserve shortly after arriving. Carolina finally solidified the position with veteran Hollis Thomas. Thomas, who just celebrated his 36th birthday in January, isn't expected back.
With Leonard and Tyler likely returning (they are restricted free agents and likely will be re-signed), Damione Lewis entrenched as one of the starters and 2009 third-round pick Corvey Irvin returning from injury, the signing of Johnson could signal the end of the road for Kemoeatu.
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