The Carolina Panthers have signed free-agent linebacker Keith Adams to a deal. The Panthers needed linebackers after losing Will Witherspoon and Brandon Short to salary cap moves this offseason. Both of them were starters, and will be difficult to replace.

Last year, Adams started all 16 games for the Philadelphia Eagles. He had 101 tackles, a career high. He will compete with linebackers Thomas Davis and Adam Seward for the starting outside linebacker spot.