TheOak

The Panthers' front office hasn't spent all of its energies on Steve Smith this week.

A league source said the Panthers hosted free agent safety Roman Harper on a visit Wednesday. Harper, a two-time Pro Bowler cut by New Orleans in a salary cap move, left without a contract but is expected to remain in talks with the Panthers, the source said.

Harper, 31, played in only nine games, with five starts, last season. He's the type of undervalued player Panthers general manager Dave Gettleman signed last year and said he was looking for again this offseason.

Harper would give the Panthers an experienced safety to replace Mike Mitchell, who signed with Pittsburgh this week, and possibly Charles Godfrey, who is coming off Achilles surgery and is a potential salary-cap casualty himself.

Harper, the Saints' second-round pick in 2006, was due to make more than $3 million in salary and bonuses this year for a Saints team that was tight against the cap.

The Panthers like to use their safeties to blitz, something Harper does well. His 17 sacks since 2006 are the most by any defensive back during that span. He also has 14 forced fumbles.

Harper missed seven games last season with a knee injury before returning in Week 10. He had five tackles in the Saints' playoff loss to Seattle.
Inside the Panthers: Panthers bring Roman Harper in for a visit

Danno

Good for him. He was a much under-appreciated player when he was here.

lee909

I liked him in the right system but it was the right time to move on. I do not have much hate for the Panthers so I wish him well in 14 games a year and will continue to hope he crushes Matt Ryan every chance he gets.

jeanpierre

Our passing game would be secure two weeks out of the year...

saintshrimp

I'm surprised the Rams haven't shown interest in Roman. Greg Williams loved Him when he was here. Harper had his best years Under Williams I figured that's where he'd end up

dizzle88

Very valid point, it is suprising the rams havent tried to get him considering GW is there

Jack Vegas

Harper was a lot better in coverage this past year than he has been in the past. And overall I thought he played really well. This could be a decent move for them.

WillSaints81

I thought GW was with the titans? Didnt he get fired after the scandal?

|Mitch|

He was hired by the Rams before he was indefinitely suspended, they fired him. Then when the suspension was lifted he spent 2013 with the Titans as an assistant. The Rams hired him as the DC after last year, so yes he was fired and then rehired after a year

TheOak

Harper may have had his best seasons under GW, but GW didn't exactly become famous with Harper under him..... only infamous.

Our defenses struggled under GW.