Tight end Jeff King has a new home, becoming the first free agent to part ways with the Carolina Panthers.
A four-year starter for the Panthers, King agreed to terms on a three-year deal Tuesday with the Arizona Cardinals. The Panthers didn’t make much of a push to re-sign King, largely because they’re switching to a new offense which utilizes tight ends more in the passing game. King’s strength has always been as a blocker, although his hands are underrated.
“Arizona is a good fit for me,” King said. “I think just schematically I fit in well to what they do. So I’m looking forward to it.”
King said he didn’t know until Tuesday if the Panthers would attempt to re-sign him.
When Arizona came calling, they made him an offer he couldn’t refuse.
“When I last spoke to the Panthers when they briefly lifted the lockout (in April) everything sounded positive,” King said. “But you never know and in free agency you have to prepare yourself that you might leave. But Carolina is always going to be special for me. John Fox and Marty Hurney gave me a shot and I appreciate that.”
King joked that it will take awhile getting used to living on the West Coast.
But he’s excited about the opportunity.
“That’s a talented team and they’re just a couple of years removed from being in the Super Bowl,” King said.
King said he’s familiar with Cardinals assistant head coach and offensive line coach Russ Grimm, having played football with his sons Chad and Cody at Virginia Tech.
King started 62 of a possible 64 games over the past four seasons and finished his five-year career with the Panthers with 112 receptions for 923 yards and nine touchdowns.
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