Carolina Panthers
Drayton Florence - #29 - CB
| Status | Active |
| Height/Weight | 6' 0"/ 193 lbs. |
| Birthday | 12/19/1980 |
| Birthplace | Waycross, GA |
| College | Tuskegee |
| Years played | 11 |
| Drafted | 2003, 2nd round, 14th pick by Chargers |
Panthers sign DT Johnson
The Panthers signed former Colts DT Ed Johnson on Wednesday.
Panthers RB Williams undergoes surgery
Panthers RB DeAngelo Williams apparently underwent a surgical procedure on Monday.
Peppers turned off by Panthers
DE Julius Peppers said he's unhappy with the way the Panthers have handled his contract situation and signing a long-term deal with the team is no longer what he wants most.
DE depth likely to be major need for Panthers
With both starting defensive ends from 2009 set to test the free-agent waters, the Panthers could be going with a much younger look at the position next season.
Panthers not expected to make changes at tight end
The Panthers are not expected to drastically change their offensive philosophy and go hunting for a pass-catching tight end this offseason, we hear.
Panthers name Tolbert WRs coach
The Panthers announced they have hired Tyke Tolbert to become their wide receivers coach Thursday.
Panthers RB Stewart to undergo surgery
Panthers RB Jonathan Stewart announced on his Twitter account that he will undergo surgery on his left foot Wednesday.
Panthers' longtime WR coach Williamson retires
Longtime Panthers assistant coach Richard Williamson has retired, the team announced Monday.
Adding receivers will be one of Panthers’ top offseason tasks
The Panthers have been looking for a playmaking receiver to complement Steve Smith for years, and that search will resume in 2010.
Panthers fire special-teams coach
The Panthers announced Thursday that special-teams coach Danny Crossman will not be retained for the 2010 season.
Panthers expected to give Peppers chance to leave
We hear the Panthers don't want DE Julius Peppers to get away, but sources in Charlotte don't expect that he and the team will agree to a long-term extension before he becomes an unrestricted free agent in March.
PLAYER NEWS
The Detroit Lions have signed cornerback Drayton Florence.|||||||
The 31-year-old Florence has played nine seasons in the NFL with the San Diego Chargers, Jacksonville Jaguars and Buffalo Bills. He was released Friday by the Denver Broncos. Florence started all 16 games the past two seasons for the Bills. Lions coach Jim Schwartz says he can bring experience to Detroit's secondary.
The Denver Broncos have agreed to terms with Florence, who was released by the Buffalo Bills last week.|||||||
Florence is a 10th-year pro whose release from the Bills was regarded as a mild surprise. He had 45 starts in 46 games during his three-year stint with Buffalo. But he was slated to make $4 million in base salary this season and the Bills took South Carolina cornerback Stephon Gilmore and LSU cornerback Ron Brooks in the draft.
Buffalo Bills starting cornerback Drayton Florence has a sprained ankle that will keep him out of the team's preseason opener at Chicago next weekend.|||||||
Coach Chan Gailey spoke after practice Sunday, saying Florence will miss up to a week. The defensive back was hurt a day earlier when he landed awkwardly while defending a receiver in the end zone. The eight-year NFL veteran was the Bills' most consistent cornerback last season. He re-signed with the team prior to training camp.
Florence practiced on a limited basis for the second straight day Thursday, though it's unlikely he'll be ready for Sunday's opener after missing three weeks with a knee injury.|||||||
Florence is a reserve cornerback and has no fantasy value even when healthy.
The Buffalo Bills agreed to terms with Florence late Tuesday night. Terms of the deal were not immediately available.|||||||
The 28-year-old Florence will provide the secondary with some depth as he becomes the fifth cornerback on the team's roster. Buffalo will head into the 2009 season with Terrence McGee and 2008 first-round pick (11th overall) Leodis McKelvin as the starters, with Florence in the mix to occupy the nickel role. Florence was cut by Jacksonville last month after signing a lucrative six-year, $36 million deal - with about $12 million guaranteed - with the Jaguars in 2008.
