Panthers, Alan Ball still negotiating
CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Former Jacksonville Jaguars safety Alan Ball still hasn't signed with the Carolina Panthers and isn't expected to on Friday, but negotiations continue.
Ball was in Charlotte on Thursday night meeting with team officials. A league source told ESPN.com on Thursday an agreement on a one-year deal with Carolina had been reached prior to his arrival.
The same source said on Friday that "a lot" was worked out in terms of negotiations before Ball left town, but not to the point the 29-year-old player was ready to sign. At least one other team has entered the picture regarding interest in Ball.
On Thursday a source told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Caplan that the Panthers and Ball reached agreement on a $2 million deal, including a $1 million signing bonus and up to $500,000 in playing-time incentives. The deal was reported earlier Thursday by Aaron Wilson of the National Football Post.
The Panthers have sought to upgrade their secondary in free agency, signing cornerback Teddy Williams and safety Kurt Coleman. Williams was signed primarily as a special-teams player.
At 6-foot-2 and 197 pounds, Ball potentially could be the tall corner the Panthers are looking for to play opposite Josh Norman so that Ben Benwikere can return to nickelback.
Ball, who turns 30 on March 29, was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the seventh round in 2007. He started seven games for the Jaguars last season before suffering a biceps injury and being placed on injured reserve. He had 22 tackles, one interception and three pass breakups before getting hurt.
The Jaguars signed Ball to a two-year, $1.67 million contract in 2013, and he immediately became the team's best corner. He led the team with 14 pass breakups and two interceptions in his first season with the team.
His best season in Dallas came in 2010 when he started 16 games, made 45 tackles, broke up six passes and intercepted two passes. However, he started just two games in 2011; his contract wasn't renewed after the season.
Ball signed a one-year deal with the Houston Texans and played in 11 games (one start) before joining the Jaguars as an unrestricted free agent.
ESPN.com Jaguars reporter Michael DiRocco contributed to this report.
