CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — The Carolina Panthers have signed free agent quarterback Lester Ricard, giving the team an extra arm a week before the beginning of optional workouts.

The 24-year-old Ricard spent his rookie season in 2007 on Jacksonville’s practice squad. He went undrafted after being a three-year starter at Tulane.

At 6-foot-4 and 228 pounds, Ricard became the biggest quarterback on Carolina’s roster with his signing on Monday.

The Panthers begin workouts next week, and starting QB Jake Delhomme is expected to be limited as he continues his recovery from elbow surgery.