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Former Eagles wide receiver Jason Avant has signed a one year deal with the Carolina Panthers, according to multiple reports. The eight-year veteran was a staple of the Andy Reid Era as a slot receiver but was cut just one year into the Chip Kelly regime.
Avant was let go by the team earlier this offseason after playing his entire career with the Eagles. A former fourth round pick, Avant played in a total of 116 games for Philadelphia and caught 297 passes for 3,646 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns. He served as the team's main slot receiver throughout the majority of his tenure and was known for his highlight catches and solid hands.
Despite being a positive influence in the Eagles locker room, Avant's age and lack of speed caught up to him last season. He was held to just 38 catches for 447 yards and one touchdown. While he had a career high in starts (13), he also had his lowest reception total and yardage marks since 2008. A strong blocker, Avant was most effective in the run game.
In Carolina, he will be part of a wide receiver group which desperately lacks depth. Avant will likely serve as a leadership presence and a depth receiver for the Panthers. He could end up being a reliable target for quarterback Cam Newton.