The Carolina Panthers signed veteran cornerback Chris Houston to a one-year contract on Monday. They released cornerback Jocquel Skinner to make room.
Houston, 30, spent his first seven years with the Atlanta Falcons and Detroit Lions before toe surgery sidelined him for the entire 2014 season. He hasn't been with a team since he was released by Detroit almost exactly one year ago.
The 5-foot-11, 178-pounder has played in 101 career games with 93 starts, including the playoffs. He has 13 career interceptions.
Houston began his career with the Falcons as a second-round draft pick out of Arkansas in 2007. He joined Detroit in 2010 and later re-upped with the Lions with a five-year, $25 million contract in 2013. But he battled injuries throughout that season and eventually opted for the toe surgery in May 2014. His release was reportedly a mutual decision.
Houston will compete for a roster spot in Carolina behind projected starters Josh Norman and Charles Tillman and projected nickelback Bene' Benwikere. The Panthers had just signed Skinner earlier in June.
