1:33pm: The Panthers have officially signed Cason, according to the team (Twitter link).
1:04pm: The Panthers have agreed to terms with cornerback Antoine Cason on a one-year contract, according to Pro Football Talk (via Twitter). Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic (Twitter link) first reported earlier this week that Cason was expected to ink a deal with the Panthers soon.
Cason, a former first-round pick, saw just 169 defensive snaps for Arizona last season after playing as a full-time starter for the Chargers from 2010 to 2012. Even in limited action for the Cardinals though, the 27-year-old made a number of big plays, recovering three fumbles and grabbing a pair of interceptions, including one for a touchdown.
According to Adam Caplan of ESPN.com (via Twitter), Cason has been on the Panthers’ radar “for weeks” and is a good fit for their defensive scheme. The two sides were scheduled to meet earlier this week, but the visit had to be rescheduled amid Cason’s decision to switch to agent Drew Rosenhaus. The 27-year-old eventually met with the team last night.
The Panthers had been eyeing free agent cornerbacks to help replace two of their top three players at the position in 2013. Captain Munnerlyn agreed to sign with the Vikings last week, while Drayton Florence isn’t expected to return to Carolina.