The Panthers made a splash in free agency by signing Mike Tolbert. 

The former San Diego Charger can do it all, run, catch and block and is a big addition to the team. Here is the official piece from the Carolina's site. 

CHARLOTTE - Fullback Mike Tolbert, who rushed for more than 1,200 yards and scored 21 times over the past two seasons, has signed as an unrestricted free agent with the Panthers.

Tolbert, who often stood out in a crowded backfield with the San Diego Chargers, joins the "Double Trouble" backfield of DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart that has combined for nearly 5,000 rushing yards over the past three seasons.

"Mike is a very versatile player who can do a lot of different things for us," Panthers general manager Marty Hurney said. "He plays fullback, catches the ball well out of the backfield, plays running back, and is an outstanding special teams player.

"It was a good fit and gives us a chance to add another weapon on offense. We are excited about bringing him back to the Carolinas."

Tolbert, a 5-9, 243-pounder, signed with the Chargers as an undrafted rookie free agent from Coastal Carolina in 2008.

He played in all but two games over the past three seasons while taking advantage of opportunities created by injuries. In 2010, when starting running back Ryan Mathews missed four games, Tolbert took over with authority, finishing the season with a team-leading 735 yards and 11 touchdowns.

Last season, when Mathews missed two games, Tolbert gained 490 yards with eight touchdowns and also shined in the short passing game, catching 54 passes for 433 yards with two touchdowns.

Tolbert also tied for the team lead with 12 special teams tackles in 2011 and has 42 career special teams tackles.

Yeah, yeah. We all heard it. 

All the talk about the Tampa Bay Buccaneers never spending has gone at the window in just a week. 

Greg Schiano's club made three bold moves in free agency to help out the team, coming in the way of an elite wideout in Vincent Jackson, one of the best linemen in the league in Carl Nicks and a solid corner in Eric Wright. The players were introduced after signing. 

Click here to find out more on Wright.

Here you can hear from Jackson.

Click here to hear from Nicks.

These moves are brilliant for the NFC South squad.

Entering the postseason, the team's biggest issues were at wide receiver, o-line and corner. That has all been addressed with three players in the middle of their prime. It's exciting for Bucs fans.

Mitch Langford, a big Tampa fan from North Florida told SportsBlog.com, "It's unbelievable. I thought it was April Fool's Day or something. The team made some bold moods and really showed that they are going to try and compete. It's a great feeling as a fan.

"Getting younger is great, but each year, your goal has to be to win the Super Bowl. This is a step in the right direction."

Now, for run, here are a two predictions for this season.

Eric Wright  -- 45 tackles, five interceptions, one forced fumble, one touchdown

Vincent Jackson -- 78 catches, 1,291 yards and 10 touchdowns

This is my list of 2012 NFL free agents the Carolina Panthers should be looking at. Now I don’t expect the Carolina Panthers to spend a lot of money on 2012 free agents as they are committed to growing through the draft. But the Panthers will probably sign a few players to fill a need.

I feel that the Carolina Panthers 2012 needs are at defensive tackle, cornerback, wide receiver and offensive line in that order. So I took a look at 2012 NFL free agents at those positions that the Carolina Panthers may sign.

Defensive Tackle Free Agents

Antonio Garay- San Diego Chargers

Antonio Garay is a solid veteran defensive tackle whom Ron Rivera is familiar with. Garay can help stop the run and even gets the occasional quarterback sack.

‘Antonio Dixon- Philadelphia Eagles

Dixonis another solid defensive tackle who won’t break the bank if he is signed by the Carolina Panthers. Dixon will know this defense as he played under the Panther’s current defensive coordinator in Philly.

Fred Evans- Minnesota Vikings

Fred Evans has been a spot player for the Vikings who would do well in the rotation on the Carolina Panthers defensive line.

Cornerback Free Agents

Chris Gamble- Carolina Panthers

I think the Panthers may resign Gamble but he will command a large salary if they do. Chris Gamble has had his ups and downs in Carolina but had a solid season in 2011.

Donald Strickland New York Jets

Strickland is just a guy type of free agent that the Panthers target at times. Strickland has bounced around and played for Rivera in San Diego at one point.

Kelvin Hayden- Atlanta Falcons

Haden is a solid veteran player who is a good athlete and can score when he intercepts a ball. He played for the Colts for several seasons before joining the Falcons in 2011.

Aaron Ross- New York Giants                                                                                                                                                     Ross has been around a while and started off and on for the Giants during his career. Ross would be a solid pickup for the 2012 Carolina Panthers.

Wide Receiver Free Agents

Laurent Robinson- Dallas Cowboys

Robinson may desire more than the Carolina Panthers are willing to spend but he had an eye opening season and would be a great red zone target for Cam Newton.

Early Doucet- Arizona Cardinals

Early Doucet is a solid veteran wide receiver who wouldn’t command too much money. Doucet would be a nice fit with what the Panthers are trying to do on offense.

Vincent Jackson- San Diego Chargers

Jacksonwill probably be out of the Panther’s price range and his DUI baggage may not allowed him to be considered. ButJacksonknows Panthers coaches and is the tall wideout this offense usually calls for.

These are the 2012 NFL free agents I think the Carolina Panthers should consider signing. Please check back here soon for more news and opinion about the Carolina Panthers.