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David Newton, ESPN Staff Writer
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Carolina Panthers plan to sign veteran edge rusher Charles Harris, a league source confirmed Tuesday.
The move comes the day after the team learned that Pro Bowl defensive linemen Derrick Brown suffered a potential season-ending meniscus injury during Sunday’s 47-10 loss to the New Orleans Saints.
But Harris, 29, isn’t considered a replacement for Brown. At 6-foot-3 and 250 pounds, he would play outside linebacker in Carolina’s 3-4 scheme.
Harris had a career-best 7.5 sacks in 2021 playing in Detroit’s 3-4 scheme under Carolina defensive line coach Todd Wash. The hope is he would help a pass rush that produced only one sack in the opener with D.J. Wonnum (quad) beginning the season on injured reserve after being signed to play opposite Jadeveon Clowney.
Harris, the 22nd pick of the 2017 draft by the Miami Dolphins, also had 36 hurries, 16 quarterback hits and two forced fumbles in 2021 with Wash.
He has been limited to seven starts and 19 games played the past two seasons because of injuries.
Meanwhile, Brown is awaiting a second opinion on his knee injury. Carolina had an open spot on its roster to sign Harris after releasing tight end Feleipe Franks on Monday.
The NFL Network first reported plans to sign Harris, who was in Charlotte for a workout last week.