Panthers sign safety Byrd with Coleman sidelined

The Carolina Panthers signed former Pro Bowl safety Jairus Byrd on Tuesday to fill in for veteran Kurt Coleman, who is expected to miss at least two games with a sprained MCL.

Byrd, a former second-round draft pick by the Buffalo Bills, was a Pro Bowl selection in three of his first five seasons. He signed a six-year, $54-million contract with the New Orleans Saints in 2014, but was released this past offseason after his play declined substantially during his time in Louisiana.

Byrd spent some time with the Panthers during this year's training camp.

Coleman sprained the MCL in his left leg in Sunday's game against the New England Patriots.

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