Such was the state of the Panthers receiving corps last year, that Stephen Hill was viewed as a potential contributor.
So even though he wasn’t able to help them last year, they brought him back for another shot.
The team announced they had re-signed Hill to a one-year deal. He would have been a restricted free agent, so it stands to reason it’s for far less than the $1.67 million it would have cost for the lowest RFA tender.
Hill tore his ACL in training camp last year, keeping him from having a chance to play. But prior to the injury, they thought he had developed into someone who could be a speedy complement to Kelvin Benjamin (who would later tear his own ACL in camp).
A former second-round pick of the Jets, Hill spent 2014 on the Panthers practice squad. He has 45 catches for 594 yards and four touchdowns in 23 games, all with the Jets.
He was also suspended a game (while injured) for violating the league’s substance abuse policy.