Cortland Finnegan to Panthers: Latest Contract Details, Comments and Reaction

Pro Bowl defensive back Cortland Finnegan retired in March, but he promptly decided in August, as training camps were wrapping up, that he wanted to make an NFL comeback. 

The undefeated Carolina Panthers have given him the opportunity to continue playing, signing the 31-year-old veteran to an undisclosed contract on Monday. The Panthers announced Finnegan will replace long snapper Danny Aiken, who was released on Nov. 27. As Max Henson of Panthers.com noted, Finnegan "adds depth to a secondary that has been without starting cornerback Charles Tillman (knee) for the past two games."

Defined by a unique, competitive tenacity that has made him a tough press-coverage corner, Finnegan will have to rely on stellar technique, instincts and extensive experience to be a prominent contributor. 

Finnegan started 12 games in 2014 for the Miami Dolphins but showed signs of a steep decline in performance. He previously shined for the Tennessee Titans as a first-team All-Pro selection in 2008. The Titans chose Finnegan in the seventh round of the 2006 NFL draft, and he exceeded their modest investment.

InsideTheStar.com highlighted Finnegan's lackluster form thereafter:

Following former Tennessee head coach Jeff Fisher to the St. Louis Rams on a five-year, $50 million free-agent deal in 2012, Finnegan played only two seasons for the Rams before the team released him.

It remains to be seen what Finnegan has left in the tank, given the downward trend he's experienced over the past few seasons. His passion for the game must still be there in light of his comeback attempt, but Carolina fans may be wise to temper expectations on how much of an impact Finnegan can have.

What does work in Finnegan's favor is his willingness to play anywhere in the secondary during an era of rampant passing in the NFL. Whether he'd succeed at safety is a different matter, but the value of defensive backs is at a premium these days.

Finnegan has a strong resume and brings swagger and leadership to both the locker room and the gridiron, making him a cost-effective option for the Panthers to take a flier on.