The Carolina Panthers have only been around since 1995, and even though they haven't won a Super Bowl, they have found a lot of success.
A big reason for the Panthers' success has been some of the free agency signings they have brought in.
Let's break down the five best free agent signings in Panthers' history.
5. Jeremy Shockey
Jeremy Shockey only played one season with the Carolina Panthers but he was a great influence on the team. In 2011, he caught 37 passes for 455 yards and four touchdowns.
The stats don't jump off the page, but he and Greg Olsen were key targets for Cam Newton. During that season, Newton won the offensive player of the year,
The Panthers ended up not re-signing Shockey after the season, and he ultimately decided to retire from the league.
4. Steve Beuerlein
Steve Beuerlein was brought in to be the backup quarterback behind Kerry Collins, and it was a very good move by the Panthers. Collins was always banged up and Beurelien played in four games in 1996, finishing with a 3-1 record in the regular season.
In 1997, he was still the backup but once again saw a lot of action. In 1998, he had his best year in the NFL, finishing second in the MVP voting behind only Kurt Warner.
3. John Kasay
Not often is a kicker one of the most popular players in franchise history, but that is the case with John Kasay.
Kasay signed with the Panthers in 1995 and was with the team all the way until after the 2010 season. When he left Carolina, he was the team's leading scorer with 1,482 points.
Even though he had a big botch during the Super Bowl when he kicked the ball out of bounds, he is still one of the most popular Panthers' players ever.
2. Sam Mills
Sam Mills was one of the first big signings in franchise history, and he will also be remembered as one of the best. Mills played with the Panthers from 1995-97, and the linebacker quickly became the leader of the defense.
He made a Pro Bowl appearance and was a key reason the Panthers were able to make the NFC Championship game during their second year in existence. After retiring, he became a coach for the Panthers and was an inspirational force for the team.
In 2003, Mills was diagnosed with intestinal cancer, and even though he only had a few months to live, he became someone to rally around. In an inspirational speech, he reminded the team to “keep pounding” and that became an official team slogan.
1. Jake Delhomme
Is there really any doubt who the top free-agent signing in Panthers history is?
Delhomme took over for Rodney Peete during the first game of the 2003 season and had one of the best seasons in team history. He led the team all the way to a Super Bowl before losing to the New England Patriots.
He ended his Panthers career with a 49-30 record and ranks only behind Cam Newton in the team's history books for most passing starts.
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