Carolina steals Hackett

In what might become one of the biggest under-the-radar signings of the free agent season D.J. Hackett has left Seattle for the Carolina Panthers – and he has done so for two-years, $3.5 million.

Hackett missed large chunks of 2007 with injuries but when he played he showed solid receiving skills. He’ll pair with Steve Smith and Muhsin Muhammad, who returned to Charlotte after playing in Chicago the last three years.

Hackett caught a single ball in the opener but got hurt and missed the next seven games. When he returned he caught six, eight, nine and four passes before re-injuring himself. During the two middle weeks during that four game span Hackett showed his potential, ringing up a total of 17 catches, 237 yards and two touchdowns.

It’s been more than a little shocking seeing him sitting there on the market for the better part of a month. I think several teams will regret not taking a chance on a 6-2, 208 pound receiver with good hands. This deal is going to look like a steal.

And for the fantasy junkies the only if is whether or not he can stay healthy. Well, also if QB Jake Delhomme can stay healthy. Both are big ifs. But if they do, with Steve Smith drawing double teams, Hackett should get some looks. And he’s a big receiver capable of making plays in the red zone. I like Hackett’s new situation a lot.