Panthers Sign Underwood, Cason

It seems general manager Dave Gettleman is approaching this offseason the same way he did last year: wait a few days before becoming active in free agency, and only sign guys to one or two-year cheap deals.

Today, the Carolina Panthers signed former Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Tiquan Underwood to a two-year deal and former San Diego Chargers cornerback Antoine Cason to a one-year deal.

Underwood was drafted in the 7th round of the 2009 draft by the Jacksonville Jaguars. Last season, he caught 24 passes for 440 yards with the Bucs, both career highs. He'll likely become the third receiving option and return kicks and punts as well.

Cason was a 1st-round pick by the Chargers in 2008. Arguably the best cornerback that was still available in free agency, he'll likely take the starting cornerback job for Carolina. He worked with coach Ron Rivera before, when Rivera was San Diego's defensive coordinator.