CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Carolina Panthers have signed defensive tackle Ed Johnson, adding depth to their line and taking a chance on a player with a checkered past.

The 6-foot-2, 296-pound Johnson started all 16 games in 2007 as an undrafted rookie with Indianapolis under current Panthers defensive coordinator Ron Meeks.
The Colts waived Johnson early in the 2008 season following his arrest on a marijuana possession charge. He was re-signed, then cut again early last season because coach Jim Caldwell said his play had slipped.
The 26-year-old Johnson also ran into trouble at Penn State, where he was temporarily kicked out of school and later suspended from a bowl game.
He’ll provide insurance for Carolina as Maake Kemoeatu recovers from a ruptured Achilles’ tendon.