Panthers claim OL Jonathan Martin
CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- The Carolina Panthers claimed former San Francisco 49ers offensive tackle Jonathan Martin off waivers on Friday.
Martin, who was waived by the 49ers on Thursday, was the player at the center of the Richie Incognito bullying scandal in Miami.
Martin played only one season for San Francisco, appearing in 15 games, starting nine at right tackle. He was set to count roughly $1 million against the 2015 salary cap, which the Panthers will now pick up.
Martin spent his first two NFL seasons with Miami, leaving in October 2013 after the bullying controversy became public.
It was determined through an NFL investigation that three Miami linemen -- Incognito, John Jerry and Mike Pouncey -- engaged in a pattern of harassment directed at Martin and another young offensive lineman identified as Player A in the Ted Wells report.
Player A has since been identified as Andrew McDonald, who was with Carolina last season.
Martin (6-5, 315) has started 32 of 38 games in three seasons since Miami selected him in the second round of the 2012 draft.
"Our goal is to build the strongest roster possible and add competition at every position," Carolina general manager Dave Gettleman said in a team release. "Jonathan brings quality experience to our offensive line, having started 32 games in his career at both tackle spots.''
Carolina earlier in March signed Michael Oher to replace Byron Bell as the starting left tackle. Oher became a free agent after being released by the Tennessee Titans.
Mike Remmers returns as Carolina's starting right tackle. Remmers became the starter late in the season after Nate Chandler was placed on injured reserve with a knee injury.
