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CHARLOTTE – With one of their regular pass catchers heading into the free agent market next month, the Panthers have retained some of their depth at the position.
On Monday, the Panthers signed one-year deals with receivers Brandon Zylstra and Keith Kirkwood. They both had to be restricted free agents.
Zylstra, 27, played every game and caught three passes for 35 yards last season.
Of those receiving yards, 28 of them came in spectacular fashion – on a false punt against the Chiefs, pulling the surprise pass from punter Joseph Charlton.
Kirkwood, 26, only played one game last year due to injury. He started the season on the injured reserve, was activated for the Bears game, but again injured his left collarbone and was arrested for the year. He caught a pass for 13 yards.
As a rookie with the Saints in 2018 (when Panthers offensive coordinator Joe Brady was there), Kirkwood caught 13 passes for 209 yards and two touchdowns. He also played for Panthers head coach Matt Rhule at Temple.
The Panthers have DJ Moore and Robby Anderson under contract, although Curtis Samuel becomes an unrestricted free agent on March 17. None of the other receivers on the list so far (Marken Michel, Ventell Bryant, Amara Darboh, Omar Bayless and Ishmael Hyman) caught an assist last year.
The Panthers have two more calls for nominations they would like to keep: offensive tackle Trent Scott and defensive tackle Efe Obada.
Scott started seven games at left tackle with injuries to Russell Okung. A known product for San Diego coach Pat Meyer, Scott provides a bit of confidence to an evolving position.
The Panthers only have one of their starting linemen from last year under contract (center Matt Paradis), although they are expected to use the franchise tag on right tackle Taylor Moton if they cannot make a long term deal. .
Obada has become a solid indoor rusher and finished second on the team with 5.5 sacks last year.
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