Panthers sign former rival Roman Harper

Roman Harper is headed to a place he was once loathed by fans in hopes of rejuvenating his NFL career. The Panthers announced Tuesday they signed the longtime New Orleans Saints safety and division rival to a two-year contract.

Financial terms were not released.

“When I’m healthy I play at an extremely high level and I know I can compete and play at a high level in this league,” Harper said on a conference call Tuesday. “I know I can still do that. I just want to continue to do that until it’s time for me to go. And it’s not time for me to go, yet.”

Harper has been a mainstay at safety in New Orleans for the past eight seasons starting 104 games. The 6-foot-1, 200-pound Harper has 17 career sacks, the most by any defensive back since 2006.

AP