Panthers sign wide receiver, return specialist Damiere Byrd
The Panthers are adding a veteran receiver and return specialist less than two weeks before making the No. 1 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.
On Friday, Carolina signed former Atlanta Falcons receiver Damiere Byrd. The 30-year-old played for the Panthers from 2015-18.
Byrd has appeared in 75 games during a seven-year career. During that span, he has caught 130 passes for 1,689 yards and seven touchdowns. Last October, Byrd scored a 47-yard go-ahead touchdown for the Falcons against Carolina with 2:14 to play.
It’s been a busy offseason for Carolina, especially on offense. Byrd will join free agent signees Adam Thielen and D.J. Chark in the Panthers’ receiver room. The team has also signed tight end Hayden Hurst, running back Miles Sanders, and quarterback Andy Dalton.
Byrd could also help the Panthers’ special teams as a returner. His 107-yard kick return in 2017 is still a team record and the last time Carolina returned a kickoff for a touchdown.
