Panthers add CB Alan Ball

ByDavid Newton ESPN logo
Thursday, April 2, 2015

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- The Carolina Panthers have reached a one-year deal with former Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Alan Ball, a league source told ESPN.com.

Ball is getting a $2 million deal that includes a $1 million signing bonus andup to $500,000 in playing-time incentives, a source told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Caplan.

The deal was reported earlier by Aaron Wilson of the National Football Post.

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. Hehad 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.

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 thatBen Benwikerecan return to nickelback.

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.

ESPN.com Jaguars reporter Michael DiRocco contributed to this report.