CHARLOTTE - The Panthers have re-signed tight end Ben Hartsock, the second unrestricted free agent Carolina has brought back since the new league year began last week.
Hartsock joined the Panthers in 2011 and has played in 30 games with seven starts in those two years. A veteran of nine NFL seasons, Hartsock has blocked for 2,000-yard rushing teams in seven of the past eight seasons, including two consecutive in Carolina.
Last year, Hartsock helped the Panthers finish ninth in the NFL in rushing with 130.5 yards per game. He also caught his first two passes as a Panther, gaining 30 yards.
The Panthers re-signed quarterback Derek Anderson on Friday, three days after he became an unrestricted free agent. Before the new league year began, the Panthers re-signed linebacker and special teams stalwart Jordan Senn and tendered fullback/tight end Richie Brockel.