Carolina Panthers: Claim Jonathan Martin

By Cheri Cheng - 28 Mar '15 11:27AM

The Carolina Panthers claimed offensive line Jonathan Martin off waivers on Friday.

Martin, who was cut by the San Francisco 49ers on Thursday, was the victim of the NFL bullying scandal that happened almost two years ago.

The Panthers will pick up the $1 million that is left on Martin's contract with the 49ers, where he played one season. He appeared in 15 games and started nine of them at right tackle.

"Our goal is to build the strongest roster possible and add competition at every position," Carolina general manager Dave Gettleman said in a team release. "Jonathan brings quality experience to our offensive line, having started 32 games in his career at both tackle spots.''

"I think he is a good player who can help us. He is young, athletic and smart," Panthers coach Ron Rivera said according to the Charlotte Observer. "I know of the situation he went through, but that doesn't affect how I see him."

Martin was drafted in the second round by the Miami Dolphins in 2012 out of Stanford. He spent two seasons in Miami before leaving in October 2013 citing "emotional" issues. Reports later revealed that Martin had sought treatment for emotional distress that led to an investigation into allegations that players were bullying him and others.

In the investigation, the NFL determined that three linemen, who included Richie Incognito, Mike Pouncey, and John Jerry, bullied Martin and another young offensive lineman, who was later identified as Andrew McDonald. The investigation discovered that the incidents occurred as far back as 2012. The Dolphins ended up suspending Incognito for "conduct detrimental to the team."

Earlier this month, the Panthers signed left tackle Michael Oher, who became a free agent after the Tennessee Titans released him. Oher will replace Byron Bell.