Published: Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Former Seahawks WR D.J. Hackett signs $3.5M deal with Panthers
Associated Press
CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Help is on the way for Steve Smith.
Determined to end the constant double teams of their star receiver, the Carolina Panthers came to terms Monday with Seattle free-agent D.J. Hackett on a two-year, $3.5 million deal.
Hackett is the second receiver the Panthers have added since missing the playoffs last season without a reliable second option after Smith. Muhsin Muhammad was signed last month.
Keary Colbert and Drew Carter, who shared the starting spot opposite Smith last season, were not re-signed after combining for a meager 70 catches.
"We feel like we should have a very competitive atmosphere at that position," general manager Marty Hurney said. "We feel like we have improved the talent level."
The Seahawks had hoped to re-sign Hackett but have limited salary-cap space and a deep pool of receivers that includes Deion Branch, Bobby Engram and Nate Burleson.
Hackett was assured he'd be the No. 2 receiver in Carolina, said his agent, Kevin Robinson.
Hackett spent last week visiting Washington, Tampa Bay and Carolina, where he met with Hurney, coach John Fox and talked on the phone with Smith.
"He has the ability to make plays and has been productive," Hurney said. "We think he is a very good fit for us."
The 26-year-old Hackett has been plagued by injuries in his four-year career with the Seahawks. He was limited to six games last season because of a lingering right ankle sprain, finishing with 32 catches for 384 yards and three touchdowns.
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