Panthers terminate contract of OT Otah

SPARTANBURG, S.C. (AP) -- The Carolina Panthers have announced they've terminated the contract of offensive tackle Jeff Otah, a former first-round draft pick.

Carolina dealt Otah to the New York Jets on July 23 for a conditional seventh-round draft pick in 2013, but the trade was rescinded after Otah failed a physical, and he reverted back to the Panthers roster.

The Panthers selected the 6-foot-7, 335-pound Otah with the 19th pick in the 2008 NFL draft and he played well his first two seasons with the team. However, Otah struggled with knee problems and missed 31 of the last 35 games due to injury, finishing the last three seasons on injured reserve. Byron Bell is expected to start at right tackle for Carolina.

The Panthers also announced they've signed journeyman cornerback Nate Ness.

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