The Carolina Panthers signed running back Jordan Todman to a one-year contract Monday. Here’s what you need to know about the newest Panther:

He’s Another Addition That Could Help Improve Special Teams

Todman was Jacksonville’s primary kickoff returner last season, averaging 25.6 yards on 38 attempts, the eighth-best average among the league’s full-time returners. In 2013, he averaged 27.4 yards on 26 returns. Todman also made seven special teams tackles in each of the past two seasons.

He’ll Provide Competition at Running Back

Todman is the fourth 5-foot-10 back on the Panthers’ roster. While Jonathan Stewart is the unquestioned starter, Todman, Fozzy Whittaker and Darrin Reaves may end up in a roster spot battle depending on what happens in the draft. Todman averaged 5.8 yards on 32 carries with a touchdown last year, and in 2013, he scored twice and totaled 256 yards on 76 attempts. He also caught 39 passes out of the backfield for 314 yards and two touchdowns over those two seasons.

[blockquote cite=”Panthers coach Ron Rivera” type=”left”]“We think he has some return skills, and we are always looking to be good in that area. At running back, he brings versatility. He is stout and physical enough to run the ball up inside, but he’s got the quickness and speed to get outside to the corner.”[/blockquote]

62-YD TOUCHDOWN, WK 16 VS. TITANS 

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He Could Be a Subject in a Sequel to “The Blindside”

While Hollywood hasn’t picked up Todman’s story, his past is similar to the one new Panthers offensive tackle Michael Oher went through growing up. The Hartford Courant detailed Todman’s background in this piece from 2010. He went on to star at UConn, and then entered the 2011 NFL Draft as a junior. He stayed on the board until the Chargers took him in the sixth round, and he spent that season on practice squads in San Diego and Minnesota. After spending the next three years in Jacksonville, the 25 year old found his next opportunity in Carolina on Monday.