CHARLOTTE – The Panthers have re-signed Joe Webb, a versatile contributor who was eligible to become an unrestricted free agent when the new league year begins Tuesday.
"Joe gives us continuity at the quarterback position," head coach Ron Rivera said. "He is also a very versatile player. Not only has he played quarterback, but he has played wide receiver and on special teams and gives us some depth there because of his athleticism and intelligence. We are very excited for him to continue to be part of what we're trying to build here."
Webb, who received a one-year contract, initially signed with the Panthers as an unrestricted free agent last offseason and helped the offense prepare for the season while quarterback Cam Newton recovered from ankle surgery. Once Newton returned, Webb pitched in at wide receiver and on special teams. He had a 16-yard reception, returned two kickoffs for 53 yards and added a touchdown-saving tackle on a kickoff return in the Panthers' division-clinching victory at the Atlanta Falcons to wrap up the regular season.
A sixth-round draft pick by the Minnesota Vikings in 2010, Webb played both quarterback and wide receiver for the Vikings. The Alabama-Birmingham product has completed 88-of-152 passes for 853 yards and three touchdowns with five interceptions. He also has 273 rushing yards and seven catches for 58 yards in his career.
"It's great to be back," Webb said. "We had a great run the way we finished off the season, and it felt like home. Everyone had great team chemistry, and it felt like a big family. I didn't know if I could get that somewhere else. I'm excited to keep working with Cam and D.A. (Derek Anderson) with Coach (Ken) Dorsey coaching us up."
