The Panthers shaved two names off their long list of potential free agents on Monday, although neither one qualifies as one of the biggest names on the list.
The team announced that they have signed offensive lineman Garry Williams to a one-year deal and tight end/fullback Richie Brockel to a two-year deal. Williams was set to become an unrestricted free agent on Tuesday while Brockel was en route to restricted free agency.
Williams started the 2013 season opener at right guard, but tore his ACL and missed the rest of the season. That was part of a revolving door at both guard spots all season in Carolina. With Travelle Wharton and Geoff Hangartner both headed for free agency, Williams could be back in the mix for a starting spot this summer if his knee is sound enough to allow it.
Brockel has played the last three years for the Panthers, seeing action in 43 games and making a pair of starts. He’s caught four passes and run the ball four times in those games while seeing action on the team’s special teams units.