Dave Gettleman doesn't deal with knuckleheads.

Even before he became Carolina's general manager, it was no secret the Panthers made a concerted effort to avoid players with character concerns. Red flags have scared them away from talent in the draft and during free agency, making many fans feel their team was trying to win with choir boys.

So nearly three-quarters of the way through their best season ever, it's unlikely Gettleman and the Panthers would risk messing up the locker room for a guy who's played more basketball than football the past year.

Sure, new cornerback Cortland Finnegan has a reputation. His skill for getting under skin helped him earn "NFL's Dirtiest Player" honors. But before they signed him, the Panthers called around to confirm what they suspected — Finnegan's feistiness is reserved for opponents.

"We found out some things were obviously overblown," coach Ron Rivera said Tuesday. "For the most part, we felt that there’s enough in our locker room to handle the situation and set of circumstances."

"Dave and I both talked with him about what we have here, what the opportunity is. And more so than anything else he just seemed very grateful for the opportunity."

He sure is.

“Yeah, I'm grateful. This is Christmas," Finnegan said.

The past eight months, the 31 year old was out of football. Now he's 11-0. But there are reasons he's just now joining a roster.

The Dolphins cut him in March, which led to his unofficial retirement. Teams then stayed away until the Patriots brought him in for a tryout in October. Finnegan remained unsigned until the Panthers, searching for help in the slot, came calling last week.

A guy with nine years of experience may be a nice find, but considering it's been 11 months since Finnegan last played in a game, expectations should be managed.

"We're going to see," Rivera said, when asked if Finnegan would slide into the No. 1 nickelback role against the Saints.

"From every indication, he looked pretty good today, and we’ll see how he is come Friday. But we’re not in a hurry. We have a good group of guys out there right now, and he’ll be part of what we’re trying to do."

But getting and keeping him on the field isn't just a physical thing. Finnegan's also in a race against time with the playbook.

"Late, late, late," he said of his Monday night cram session. "But it's a good thing because I want to be a part of this."