Carolina Panthers sign two-time Pro Bowl S Griffin to one-year deal

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- The Carolina Panthers on Tuesday signed two-time Pro Bowl selection Michael Griffin to a one-year deal to add depth at safety.

Carolina also signed defensive tackle Kyle Love, who was with the team the past two seasons, because first-round pick Vernon Butler expected to miss at least the next two games with a high ankle sprain.

To make room for the additions, the Panthers released safety Marcus Ball and placed defensive end Ryan Delaire on injured reserve with a knee injury.

Ball was signed from the practice squad on Friday after backup safety Dean Marlowe (hamstring) went on injured reserve. He could return to the practice squad if he clears waivers.

Griffin, the 19th pick of the 2007 draft out of the University of Texas, spent the past nine seasons with the Tennessee Titans before being released in February. He signed with Minnesota in March, but was placed on injured reserve with a back injury when final cuts were made.

The 31-year-old was released with an injury settlement a few days later. He made the Pro Bowl in 2008 and 2010, recording a career-best seven interceptions in '08. He had 99 tackles and one interception last season.

Griffin will back up Kurt Coleman and Tre Boston.