As the league heads into Week 2 and veteran base salaries are no longer fully guaranteed, a former Lion has found a new team.
NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reports that the Carolina Panthers are set to sign edge rusher Charles Harris.
Harris, who joined the Lions as a free agent in 2021 after a lackluster four-year stint (three with the Miami Dolphins and one with the Atlanta Falcons), revived his career with a career-high 7.5 sacks that season.
The Lions rewarded his performance with a two-year deal in 2022, but his productivity dropped the following year, and an injury eventually placed him on IR.
Harris took a pay cut to remain with the Lions in 2023, but his performance did not improve. By Week 7, he was a healthy scratch and played only 65 snaps for the rest of the season.
His inability to contribute to a struggling edge rusher unit last year indicated his future in Detroit was bleak as he entered free agency. ESPN’s David Newton reported that Harris worked out with the Panthers last week, making his signing not entirely surprising.
Additionally, he is connected to Carolina’s defensive line coach Todd Wash, who previously held the same position with the Lions. Despite limited interest until now, Harris’ previous success with the Lions on a prove-it deal extended his career, and he might get another chance with the Panthers, who have nothing to lose this season.
