The Panthers signed safety Marcus Ball on Thursday and released safety Kimario McFadden. Ball may not end up being much more than a camp body, but with a strong summer at one of Carolina’s weakest positions, he could stick on the roster.

• The 27-year-old spent his first season in the NFL last year playing in 12 games with two starts for the Saints. He made 16 defensive tackles and seven stops on special teams. New Orleans released him earlier this month.

• Before earning a spot with the Saints last preseason, the 6-foot-1, 209-pound Ball spent two years with the Toronto Argonauts. He totaled 142 tackles, seven sacks, three fumble recoveries and four interceptions in the CFL.

• Ball began his college career at Florida State before he played the 2008 season at Pearl River (Miss.) Community College. He then transferred to Memphis where he made 108 tackles and four interceptions in two years.

• He’s the younger brother of former Georgia Tech quarterback Reggie Ball.

• Links:
  • Saints safety Ball chasing his dream – New Orleans Advocate
  • Ball ready to do whatever is asked of him – neworleanssaints.com