Panthers sign C Fernando Velasco

[El Chingon]

there ya go.

[YoungPanthers89]

news broken by Charles Johnson

[KillerKat]

can he play tackle?

[LinvilleGorge]

30 career starts?  Not bad.  Glad to see some OL depth added.

[*FreeFua*]

See y'all at the parade!

[RelaxImaPro]

Maybe this signing can help relieve the loss of linebacker Billy Boyko some.  We were in a bit of a tailspin there for a minute.

[El Chingon]

The Panthers have huge questions at offensive tackle entering training camp, but they added a little depth in the middle of the line Wednesday.

Via Bill Voth of Black and Blue Review, the Panthers have signed center Fernando Velasco. Panthers defensive end Charles Johnson sent out a photo of his former Georgia teammate at the stadium today.

 

Velasco played well for the Steelers last year subbing for the injured Maurkice Pouncey, before tearing his Achilles in Week 13.

If he’s well, he gives the Panthers a solid backup option behind Ryan Kalil, as they didn’t have much experience in the middle.

 

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/07/23/panthers-sign-center-fernando-velasco/

[PiratePanther189]

Little google search says he's a Center/Left Guard, but played LT in high school for whatever that's worth

[Zithers]

solves our backup center position. literally brian folkerts was kalil's backup. would have been a disaster if he got hurt again.

 

guessing he could also fill in at guard in a pinch.

[Leeroy Jenkins PhD]

If he is fully recovered from his achilles injury, he may make the final roster.  Anytime you get a pick up this time of year who may actually make the team, that is a good move.

 

 

[philp]

Must be something going on with Kalil that we don't know about. Pretty tight-lipped bunch over there.

[PantherWake]

Kalil on the trade block? 

[Growl]

I know many of you are hurneywashed but just because you sign a talented backup doesn't mean there is somethin wrong with the starter.

Most teams like having good players rather than designating a starter prior to the season even starting and doing everything possible to ensure that he has nothing behind him so there is no "controversy" at the position

Not that one if the best C's in the league has anything to worry about. Some of you are just under the impression that you have to heap piles of crap at the spots labeled "back-up" because likes that's just the way you do things, brah

[PhillyB]

any upgrade helps