NFC South Notes: Saints, Newton, Bucs
After missing two meetings and subsequently being waived, former Saints linebacker Khairi Fortt is going to be evaluated for the sleep problems that he suspects he has, according to Ramon Antonio Vargas of The Advocate (via Twitter). Is it too late for Geno Smith to change excuses? Here’s tonight’s look at the NFC South..
- Panthers coach Ron Rivera isn’t sweating a new contract for quarterback Cam Newton, saying everything will come in due time, tweets Joseph Person of The Charlotte Observer. Rivera also referred to Newton as the team’s “franchise quarterback.”
- The Panthers worked out Harvey Unga, Doug Worthington, Michael Brooks, Richard Clebert, Justice Cunningham, and Maurice Hagens, according to Aaron Wilson of the National Football Post (on Twitter).
- Safeties Anderson Russell and Bacarri Rambo worked out for the Buccaneers, tweets Adam Caplan of ESPN.com. Rambo has been busy lately, working out for the Colts, Giants, Bears, and other teams.
- The Saints worked out Edgar Jones, Lawrence Sidbury, Kellen Davis, Moise Fokou, and Paul Hazel this week, according to Aaron Wilson of the National Football Post (via Twitter). Tight end Tom Crabtree also auditioned for New Orleans and was quickly signed.
Panthers Cut 14, Roster Sits At 53
The Panthers have made the necessary roster moves in order to be in compliance of the NFL’s 53-man roster limit:
Waived:
- Derek Dennis (G)
- James Dockery (CB)
- Adarius Glanton (LB)
- Marcus Lucas (WR)
- Tom Nelson (S)
- Drake Nevis (DT)
- Darrin Reaves (RB)
- Micanor Reagis (DT)
- D.J. Smith (LB)
- Josh Thomas (CB)
- Michael Zordich (FB)
Waived-injured:
- Kevin Hughes (OT)
Waived with injury settlement:
- Mike McNeill (TE)
- Anderson Russell (S)
Panthers Sign Anderson Russell
The Panthers have signed safety Anderson Russell, according to today’s NFL personnel notice (Twitter link via Brian McIntyre). Russell had a previous stint with the Panthers, having joined the team in 2012, but was cut prior to the 2013 regular season.
Russell, 26, played his college ball at Ohio State before going undrafted in 2010. He has signed deals with the Redskins, Dolphins, and Panthers, but hasn’t seen any real action in the NFL. According to Pro Football Focus, he played just one snap for Carolina 2012.
Terms of the deal weren’t disclosed, but it’ll be a minimum salary contract. I doubt Russell will end up on the Panthers’ regular-season roster, though perhaps he’ll get a chance to earn a spot this summer.