CHARLOTTE – The Panthers have signed unrestricted free agent cornerback D.J. Moore, a South Carolina native who intercepted 10 passes over the past three seasons with the Chicago Bears.
Moore, a fourth-round draft pick in 2009 out of Vanderbilt, has been at key cog primarily at nickel for the Bears. A product of Broome High School in Spartanburg, S.C. – where the Panthers annually hold their training camp – Moore played in just three games as a rookie before intercepting four passes in both 2010 and 2011 and picking off a pair last season.
Following a standout prep career, the athletic Moore thrived at Vanderbilt, seeing action at wide receiver, running back, quarterback and in the return game in addition to his cornerback role. Moore was an All-American in 2008 and twice was named first team all-Southeastern Conference.
Moore played in 45 games for the Bears and officially recorded just three regular season starts, though he was Chicago's nickel back for much of his tenure. In addition to the 10 interceptions, he recorded 133 tackles and 17 passes defensed.
Moore is the second unrestricted free agent the Panthers have added to their secondary, joining veteran corner Drayton Florence. Carolina released cornerback Chris Gamble and hasn't re-signed corner Captain Munnerlyn, allowing him to become an unrestricted free agent.
