1:30pm: It’s a minimum-salary contract for Dickson, with a $65K signing bonus, tweets Joseph Person of the Charlotte Observer. The Panthers have now officially announced the signing in a press release.
THURSDAY, 1:24pm: The Panthers and Dickson are in agreement on a one-year deal, according to Wilson (via Twitter).
WEDNESDAY, 1:09pm: Free agent tight end Ed Dickson is visiting the Panthers today and is expected to sign with the team, reports Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun. According to Wilson, Dickson also drew interest from the Jaguars, Bills, Jets, Giants, and Ravens in free agency.
Although Dickson had a nice pass-catching season in 2011, hauling in 54 balls, including five for touchdowns, he has assumed more of a blocking role in recent years. According to Pro Football Focus (subscription required), that hasn’t particularly been his strong suit — a poor run-blocking grade last season left the 26-year-old ranked dead last among 64 qualified tight ends.
Still, perhaps in Carolina, where virtually all of the team’s top 2013 receivers are now on other rosters, Dickson will see more balls thrown his way. If and when he signs, Dickson figures to fall behind Greg Olsen on the Panthers’ depth chart. However, considering the receiving corps is led by players like Jerricho Cotchery, Jason Avant, and Tiquan Underwood, the club could use plenty of multiple tight end sets.
The Ravens were reportedly considering bringing Dickson back, but the team ultimately re-signed Dennis Pitta and added Owen Daniels instead.