–The Panthers are trying to finalize a deal with cornerback Alan Ball, who’s played in the NFL for eight seasons. After five years in Dallas, he spent 2012 in Houston, and then started 22 games with the Jaguars the past two years. He racked up 14 pass deflections and two interceptions in 2013 before a biceps injury limited him to seven games last season.

–He finished 2013 rated as the 10th-best cornerback in coverage by Pro Football Focus.

–He would be the second former seventh-round pick the Panthers have signed this week. Neither Ball nor safety Kurt Coleman will excite the fan base, but both have a shot to play big parts in the secondary in 2015. Ball would compete with Bené Benwikere, Melvin White and a possible draft pick for the No. 2 cornerback role.

–At 6-foot-2, 197 pounds, Ball has ideal size. The Detroit native, who played his college ball at Illinois, turns 30 later this month.

–He wasn’t used much on special teams in Jacksonville, but Ball was essentially just a special teams guy with the Texans, and he also helped out on that unit while in Dallas.

–The Panthers went into the offseason with needs at left tackle, returner, safety, and cornerback. If and when they lock up Ball, they will have added one of each. All were on the open market for reasons, but they all fit into the value buys general manager Dave Gettleman is looking for in this stage of free agency.