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CHARLOTTE – Carolina Panthers middle linebacker Dan Morgan has found a new home -- but in a very familiar division.
Morgan, who was released by the Panthers last month, has agreed to terms on a one-year contract with the division rival New Orleans Saints, according to sources.
Financial terms were undisclosed.
The deal will become official in the next two days when Morgan signs the contract, sources said.
Meanwhile, the Panthers are actively looking to add another linebacker.
They met Thursday with Cincinnati Bengals free agent linebacker Landon Johnson, who is considered one of the highest-rated players at his position left on the free agent market and would be the team's first marquis free agent signing.
Johnson, 26, has started 53 games in four seasons for the Bengals and had 109 tackles in 2007 and 112 in 2006. The 6-foot-2, 232-pound Johnson has played all three linebacker positions.
It's likely the Panthers would want him to start at weakside linebacker where Na'il Diggs played last season.
"I think it was a productive visit," said Johnson's agent Andy Simms. "I think there is mutual interest. Obviously we wouldn't be there if there wasn't."
Johnson, 26, has also drawn interest from three others teams, including the Bengals who want to re-sign him. The two sides are expected to talk contract in the morning and at that point Johnson will likely decide whether or not to take any more visits.
Morgan, who played almost exclusively at middle linebacker during his seven-year career with the Panthers, is expected to change positions and start at weakside linebacker for the Saints.
He’ll be playing alongside middle linebacker Jonathan Vilma, who was acquired last week in a trade with the New York Jets. Vilma was a true freshman during Morgan’s final season at the University of Miami. Scott Fujita will start at the other outside linebacker position for the Saints.
Morgan met with the Saints about a week ago and had also visited with the Detroit Lions.
When reached last week, Morgan said he’d been working out in Phoenix rehabbing an Achilles tendon injury and that he wanted to make sure he was completely healthy before signing with another team. But sensing an opportunity to start, Morgan apparently felt it was the right time to sign.
“I’m feeling pretty good and I’m getting better with each day,” Morgan said last week. “I definitely want to play again and I hope I get that chance.”
The idea of Morgan signing with a division rival Saints has to be a little unsettling for the Panthers, especially if he’s able to return to a Pro Bowl level of play.
Morgan’s injury history has been well documented, but when healthy he’s one of the best linebackers in the league.
A former first-round draft pick in 2001, Morgan's 59 starts were the most for a linebacker in team history and his 452 tackles rank third in Carolina history. He was selected to the NFC Pro Bowl team as a starter following the 2004 season when he recorded a career best 109 tackles.
During the 2003 playoffs Morgan had 57 tackles in four games, including a career-high 25 in the Super Bowl against the New England Patriots.
NOTES: Backup defensive tackle Kindal Moorehead has all but agreed to terms on a two-year contract with the Atlanta Falcons. Moorehead will have a physical on Friday and if all goes well he should sign on Saturday, according to league sources.
Saints sign Human Eggshell - Dan Morgan
Saints sign Human Eggshell - Dan Morgan
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