Cortland Finnegan Signs with Carolina Panthers

Cortland Finnegan had not appeared in the NFL since 2014 as a member of the Miami Dolphins, announcing his retirement in the offseason. However, he has made a return to the game as a member of the Carolina Panthers.

The Panthers announced the move, noting Finnegan filled the roster spot left by Danny Aiken after his release last week.

On Nov. 27, via Bill Voth of Black and Blue Review, the Panthers worked out Finnegan, among other players. The Panthers were looking for a fix at the nickel corner position, per Voth, as it is one of the few holes on their team. 

Starting corner Charles Tillman has been battling knee issues that have sidelined him for the last two games. According to Max Henson of Panthers.com, Bene Benwikere slotted into Tillman's spot and Colin Jones stepped up at the nickel position in Week 11. Finnegan, though, could offer a steadier presence at the position.

The 31-year-old played nine seasons in the league with the Tennessee Titans, St. Louis Rams and Dolphins, recording 18 career interceptions, and he was elected to a Pro Bowl in 2008. But as Voth notes, his reputation was made as being voted the league's dirtiest player in 2010. 

Finnegan is joining a secondary that doesn't necessarily need to fix much. The Panthers lead the league with 18 interceptions and are ranked fourth with 223.8 passing yards allowed per game. 

But Finnegan brings some added depth to the team if the Panthers continue to get hit with the injury bug. In what looks to be a lengthy playoff run, a veteran who could step up in a big situation when called upon could prove vital to the Panthers. 

Stats courtesy of Pro-Football-Reference.com