Panthers sign NT Cole

The Carolina Panthers have added depth to their defensive line by signing eight-year NFL veteran Colin Cole.

Terms of the deal weren't disclosed. He is the first player signed by new Carolina general manger Dave Gettleman.

Cole was out of the NFL last season after the Seattle Seahawks released him during their final training camp cuts in 2011.

An undrafted free agent, Cole spent five seasons with Green Bay and then moved on to Seattle as a starter before suffering a serious ankle injury in 2010.

Cole, 32, is expected to compete for a job at nose tackle for the Panthers. Frank Kearse became Carolina's starter at the position last season after Ron Edwards suffered a dislocated elbow.

In 84 career games, Cole has 218 tackles and 4.5 sacks.