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