NFL Free Agent Rumors: Carolina Panthers sign Roman Harper

Sep 15, 2013; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Doug Martin (22) runs with the ball as New Orleans Saints strong safety Roman Harper (41) defends during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. The Saints won 16-14. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

The Carolina Panthers may have rid themselves one of one resident loud mouth, but they have gained another.

Thankfully, safety Roman Harper isn’t nearly as bad as Steve Smith, but the Panthers certainly won’t be without an official trash talker as Harper signed a two-year, $4.5 million dollar deal with the Panthers this afternoon.

"Former Saints Pro-Bowl S Roman Harper reached agreement with Panthers on a two-year, $4.5M deal that includes $1.5M sign bonus, per source."

Carolina was in need of some assistance in the back half of their secondary and few players were better/more affordable than Harper, who was recently cut by the New Orleans Saints last week.

Of course, Harper probably won’t get much of a hero’s welcome when he returns to New Orleans next season given he decided to sign with the Panthers arch nemesis (sorry Falcons) though it should make for some fantastic football and story lines moving forward.

Not a home run, but still a very solid addition to an already impressive defense.

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