The Carolina Panthers have signed fifth-round draft choice Gary Barnidge from Louisville.

The team did not release terms of the deal.

Barnidge, a 6-foot-5, 247-pound tight end, figures to battle for playing time this season with two other young tight ends - Jeff King and Dante Rosario.

Barnidge, who was a first-team All-Big East Conference selection as a senior in 2007, played in 47 games with 29 starts for Louisville and recorded 108 receptions for 1,491 yards and 17 touchdowns.

Barnidge is the second of the Panthers' nine draft choices to sign, joining sixth-round pick Nick Hayden.

Also, Carolina has waived fullback Breyone Evans, cornerback Cortney Grixby and wide receiver Damon Morton. All three players had been signed as undrafted rookie free agents on May 2.