April 28, 2008

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) -- The Carolina Panthers have added much needed depth on the defensive line by coming to terms with veteran free-agent Darwin Walker on a one-year deal.

Walker's agent, Al Irby, said Monday the Panthers twice inquired about his client since the Chicago Bears let him go in February.

Walker played in 11 games with seven starts in an injury-plagued season with Chicago in 2007. He finished with 17 tackles and one sack. Before that, Walker was a five-year starter in Philadelphia.

The Panthers have little depth at defensive tackle after trading Kris Jenkins in the offseason. Sixth-round pick Nick Hayden of Louisville was the only defensive linemen the Panthers took in last weekend's draft.