NFL free agency: Panthers sign former Bears, Giants tight end

Thompson is another addition who has previous experience with Matt Rhule.

The Panthers have signed former Bears and Giants tight end Colin Thompson, per his Twitter account. Thompson is another addition who has previous experience with Matt Rhule. He played his college career at Temple from 2014-2016. Primarily a blocker, Thompson caught 19 passes during his time there, totaling 208 yards and one touchdown.

Thompson went undrafted in 2017 and was first signed by the Giants in May. He was cut in August and then signed by the Bears to their practice squad in November. He was on and off Chicago’s practice squad until September 2018 when he was cut. He was not on a team last season.

This year, Thompson played in the XFL for the Vipers.

Signing Thompson makes it less likely the team will pick a tight end in the draft. If he makes the roster, he should round out the depth chart behind Ian Thomas, Chris Manhertz, Seth DeValve and Temarrick Hemingway.

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