Hackett Signs with Panthers

UPDATE:  According to the Charlotte Observer, the Carolina Panthers have reached an agrement with D.J. Hackett on a two-year deal worth $3.5 million.

"The Panthers agreed to terms Monday with Seattle’s free-agent receiver on a two-year, $3.5 million contract. Hackett improves the Panthers’ depth at the receiver position opposite Steve Smith. He is expected to compete with Muhsin Muhammad and Dwayne Jarrett for a starting spot.“D.J. is extremely excited,” said Hackett’s agent, Kevin Robinson. “He was impressed with Marty Hurney, coach (John) Fox and really liked the entire Carolina organization.”"

We hope he makes a decision.  Each day is a broken record here.  Every day it’s the same guy, the same news and the same picture posted here.

D.J. Hackett’s agents say that he could reach a decision on his future today.  He was negotiating a contract with the Panthers after leaving Charlotte on Saturday according to the Rock Hill Herald.

"According to league sources with knowledge of the situation, Hackett’s representatives exchanged numbers with Panthers salary cap manager Rob Rogers on Sunday, indicating a level of interest in coming to the Queen City that was previously underestimated. What’s not known is who else he’s in contract talks with, as a number of teams have shown sufficient interest.The prevailing thought throughout the league was that Hackett was using his East Coast swing through Washington, Tampa Bay and Charlotte as a chance to drive up the price for the Seahawks. The 26-year-old wide receiver has told his original team he’d keep them in the loop, but he was apparently swayed by what he heard and saw from the Panthers over the weekend.The 6-foot-2, 208-pound Hackett has shown flashes of great play-making ability, but he’s also been tormented by injuries, missing 31 games in four seasons. Still, his size and potential are what attracted the Panthers, even before 2007 second-rounder Dwayne Jarrett was busted for drunken driving last week."

There’s more in today’s Quick Hits…

Panthers DE Julius Peppers was spotted at the Pepsi Center in Denver for Sunday night’s Nuggets game.  There have been light trade rumors involving Peppers this offseason, but Panthers GM Marty Hurney has predictably denied all of them. Peppers is entering the final year of his contract, so as long as he remains unsigned long term, speculation will continue following him around.  (Rocky Mountain News)

Justin Hartwig, the Panthers former center, will be in Kansas City this week to meet with the Chiefs.

Eli Manning has made it clear to the Giants that he wants tight end Jeremy Shockey back with the team next season.

The Jets have agreed to a deal with tight end Bubba Franks formerly of the Packers.  The Jets also haven’t ruled out keeping defensive lineman Dewayne Robertson on the roster.

Jacoby Jones, the Texans WR/KR was arrested early Sunday for DWI.

Fullback Kris Wilson has visited with the Chiefs.

The final two years of Browns’ linebacker Andra Davis’ contract have voided.  He’ll likely remain there to play out a contract year in ’08.

Matt Lehr, who can play both guard and center, is being pursued by both the Saints and Browns.

LenDale White was reportedly cited by Denver Police Saturday on several charges, including interference and resisting.

Packers re-signed LB Tracy White to a two-year, $1.8 million contract. The deal includes a $250,000 signing bonus.

Steelers‘ free agent LB Clint Kriewaldt’s career is reportedly in jeopardy due to a neck injury.

Despite the re-signing of running back Derrick Ward, Ahmad Bradshaw is expected to enter the season as Brandon Jacobs’ primary backup with the Giants.

Laveranues Coles has reportedly informed teammates that he won’t report to the Jets until training camp in late July.

Cowboys ILB Zach Thomas underwent surgery for a deviated septum late last week to clear up some sinus problems.