Panthers re-sign tight end Ed Dickson to 3-year deal

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) The Panthers have announced they've re-signed backup tight end Ed Dickson to a three-year contract.

Dickson's played in all 16 regular season games last season and had 10 catches for 115 yards and one touchdown. He caught three passes for 67 yards in two playoff games.

Panthers coach Ron Rivera said in a release Thursday that Dickson played a ''valuable role'' down the stretch.

Dickson gives the Panthers a second receiving threat at tight end opposite Greg Olsen, a Pro Bowl player last season for Carolina. Dickson also proved he can play fullback, filling in for the injured Mike Tolbert.

Dickson says that being in Carolina ''felt like family.''

His best season came in 2011 when he caught 54 passes for 528 yards and five TDs for the Baltimore Ravens.

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