http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slu...v=ap&type=lgns
Panthers sign Na'il Diggs from Packers
April 20, 2006
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) -- The Carolina Panthers added another outside linebacker Thursday, signing free agent Na'il Diggs from the Green Bay Packers to a one-year contract.
Diggs, 27, started 80 games in six seasons with the Packers, but was limited to just nine games last season after tearing the medial collateral ligaments in both knees on different occasions.
Diggs is the second outside linebacker to sign with Carolina in the past week, joining Keith Adams, formerly of the Philadelphia Eagles.
The Panthers lost both starting outside linebackers this offseason. Will Witherspoon signed with St. Louis and Brandon Short was cut and later signed by his former team, the New York Giants.
Last year's first-round draft pick, Thomas Davis. is expected to fill one of those vacancies. Diggs, Adams, Adam Seward and Chris Draft will compete for the other spot.
"He's was a veteran guy we feel can come in and compete for a starting job," said Panthers general manager Marty Hurney.
A fourth-round draft pick out of Ohio State in 2000, Diggs has 541 tackles, seven sacks and four interceptions. Hurney said it's unclear if Davis will play weakside or strongside linebacker. Diggs has played both positions.
The signing of Adams and Diggs likely means the Panthers will not address that position with their first pick (27th overall) in the draft. It's more likely the team will look to fill needs at running back or tight end.
Updated on Thursday, Apr 20, 2006 10:51 pm EDT