Panthers sign Ex-Jets receiver Stephen Hill to practice squad

The Carolina Panthers have signed wide receiver Stephen Hill to their practice squad, the team announced on Tuesday.

The 23-year-old Hill, a second-round pick out of Georgia Tech in 2012, was cut by the Jets over the weekend after two disappointing seasons in which he caught a total of 45 passes for 594 yards and four touchdowns.

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After losing several receivers this offseason -- including five-time Pro Bowler Steve Smith --  Carolina is expected to rely heavily on rookie Kelvin Benjamin and veteran Jerricho Cotchery.

Hill, who stands 6-foot-4, 215 pounds, ran a 4.36 40-yard dash at the NFL combine. The Panthers open the season Sept. 7 at Tampa Bay.

Carolina cut linebacker D.J. Smith to make room for Hill on the roster.

- Chris Johnson