CHARLOTTE — The Panthers added another experienced receiver who should be able to help the team in multiple ways.
The fact he knows his way around doesn't hurt, either.
The Panthers agreed to terms with//signed veteran wide receiver Damiere Byrd Friday.
The 30-year-old Byrd was here from 2015 to 2018 after signing as an undrafted rookie from South Carolina.
His speed always stood out (he ran a 4.28-second 40-yard dash at his pro day), but he was unfortunate with some injuries during his first stint here. He's also had stints with the Cardinals, Patriots, Bears, and Falcons and has 130 career receptions for 1,689 yards and seven touchdowns.
He caught a career-best 47 passes for 604 yards and a touchdown in 2020 with the Patriots (when he was reunited with quarterback Cam Newton), and he caught a 47-yard touchdown pass in the fourth quarter for the Falcons last year against the Panthers.
While some deep speed can't hurt, even with the addition of DJ Chark this offseason, Byrd can also be a help on special teams. The Panthers are still looking for some options in that area, and Byrd is an accomplished player in the kicking game on both coverage and returns.
His 103-yard touchdown on a kickoff return in 2017 was a Panthers franchise record and the last time the Panthers have scored on a kickoff return.
Damiere Byrd re-signed with Carolina in April of 2023. He played for the Panthers previously from 2016-18.
Damiere Byrd during a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, December 24, 2017.
Damiere Byrd catches a pass for a touchdown during a game against the Green Bay Packers at Bank of American Stadium on Sunday, December 16, 2017 in Charlotte, NC.
Damiere Byrd makes a reception against the Minnesota Vikings at Bank of American Stadium on Sunday, December 10, 2017 in Charlotte, NC.
Damiere Byrd during the National Anthem prior to a game against the Seattle Seahawks at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, November 25, 2018.
Damiere Byrd breaks a tackle during a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, December 24, 2017.
Damiere Byrd catches a pass for a touchdown during a game against the Green Bay Packers at Bank of American Stadium on Sunday, December 16, 2017 in Charlotte, NC.
Carolina Panthers play against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, January 1, 2017 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL.
Damiere Byrd Carolina Panthers against Dallas Cowboys at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina on Sunday, September 9, 2018.
Damiere Byrd during a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, December 24, 2017.
Cam Newton and Damiere Byrd during pregame against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, December 24, 2017.
Damiere Byrd carries the football during the game against the Giants on Sun., Oct. 7, 2018.
Damiere Byrd celebrates a touchdown during a game against the Green Bay Packers at Bank of American Stadium on Sunday, December 16, 2017 in Charlotte, NC.
Damiere Byrd breaks a tackle during a game against the Green Bay Packers at Bank of American Stadium on Sunday, December 16, 2017 in Charlotte, NC.
