Panthers Sign Landon

The Carolina Panthers added to their linbacker depth Friday by signing Landon Johnson an unrestricted free agent from the Bengals.  He signed a three-year deal believed to be worth around $9 to 10 million dollars. (Charlotte Observer)

"Johnson is easily the most highly-rated player to join the Panthers since the free agency signing period opened last Friday. He is rated the No. 35 overall free agent on by Scouts Inc., including players who were given the franchise tag.Johnson gives the Panthers four linebackers with extensive starting experience. He is expected to compete with Na’ll Diggs for the starting weakside outside linebacker position. Thomas Davis is the other outside starter, with Jon Beason in the middle.Johnson also brings versatility because he’s played all three linebacker positions in the 4-3 defense for the Bengals.Johnson, who turns 27 next week, has led the Bengals in tackles in three of his four NFL seasons. He started all 32 games the past two years, totaling 112 and 109 tackles, respectively.Johnson was a third-round pick by Cincinnati in the 2004 NFL draft.The Panthers could lose restricted free agent linebacker Adam Seward, who’s been primarily a special teams contributer, to the New England Patriots.Seward visited the Patriots Thursday. If he receives an offer, the Panthers have the right to match. If Carolina declines to match, New England will owe the Panthers a fifth-round pick as compensation."

More from around the league in our Quick Hits…

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell wants to have unannounced inspections of locker rooms, stadium press boxes and in-game communications equipment in an effort to crackdown on cheating.  That should help.  How about doing the white glove test while you’re at it?  Maybe the players should have their jock straps folded neatly too.

Defensive end Javon Kearse has signed with the Titans.  He gets his wish to end his career in Tennessee.

The Philadelphia Eagles released two-time Pro Bowl linebacker Takeo Spikes on Thursday.

Terrell Suggs filed a grievance against the Baltimore Ravens over whether he should be classified as a defensive end or a linebacker, a dispute in which $814,000 is at stake.

Adam Schefter of the NFL Network reports that tight end Ben Troupe has agreed to terms with the Bucs.

The Saints have signed Dan Morgan according to sources.  He gets a one-year contract.

Cornerback Sammy Davis has re-signed with the Bucs.

Derek Anderson, the Browns quarterback, gets a $5 million roster bonus in the second year of his new deal with the team.

The Titans visited with cornerback Terry Cousins on Thursday.

Bill Parcells has sat down with Ricky Williams to tell him that he wants him to contribute to the Dolphins in the coming year.

Joe Jurevicius told the Browns that he couldn’t take the pounding of a second receiver, and asked to become a No. 3.

The Broncos will meet with free agent defensive tackle Orpheus Roye today.

Speaking of the Broncos – the team and Jason Elam appear to be “a ways away” in their talks for a new deal.  The Broncos are also reportedly interested in free agent running back Musa Smith.

Larry Fitzgerald and his agent are looking for plenty of coin for his new restructured deal with the Cardinals – something in the neighborhood of four years and $25 and $30 million.

The Bears have another wide receiver, restricted free agent Rashied Davis, who is generating some interest around the league.

Seven teams skipped the recent pro day workout for Kentucky quarterback Andre Woodson.

Defensive tackle Antonio Garay has been told by the Bears that he is no longer in their plans.  The team is also showing some interest in Justin McCareins, a free agent receiver from the Jets.

The Lions have signed defensive tackle Chuck Darby.

The Seahawks have setup a visit with free agent linebacker Caleb Miller.

The Bills have re-signed Jason Miller, an offensive lineman who can play both center and guard.  He has been a special teamer.