Carolina signs former Falcons safety DeCoud

Thomas DeCoud will be facing his former team twice a year. (USATSI)

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For the second time since free agency started, the Panthers have raided a division rival for safety help. Carolina signed former Falcons safety Thomas DeCoud to a two-year deal on Thursday, the team announced.

DeCoud's deal with the Panthers is worth a maximum of $3.75 million and includes a $500,000 signing bonus, according to ESPN.com.

"Thomas provides a veteran in the secondary who is familiar with the NFC South and has been a very solid player," Panthers coach Ron Rivera said in a statement. "We are pleased to add him to a safety group that has good experience and production."

Before signing with Carolina, DeCoud had spent his entire six-year career in Atlanta. The 29-year-old was a third-round pick of the Falcons in the 2008 NFL Draft, but was released in March in a cost-cutting move that saved the Falcons $3 million in 2014 cap space.

Over the past five seasons, DeCoud has started 78 of Atlanta's 80 regular season games, including 2012 when he made 16 starts and made it to the Pro Bowl.

DeCoud isn't the only NFC South veteran the Panthers have added in free agency. Back in March, Carolina signed former Saints safety Roman Harper to a two-year deal.

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