The Panthers have signed DT Chad Lavalais who didn’t play football in 2006.  In 30 games in his 2 year career, Lavalais has made 41 tackles and had 2 sacks.  CB Chris DeLoatch was signed to be a reserve in the defensive backfield.  He played in 7 games last season for the New Orleans Saints and he made 9 tackles.  Safety Deke Cooper was the third player signed by the Panthers.  He only played 1 game last season for the San Francisco 49ers and he only made 1 tackle.  He has played in 57 games in his career and he’s made 157 tackles, had 3 interceptions, defensed 8 passes, forced 2 fumbles and recovered 2 fumbles.  These were good depth signings for the Panthers defense and special teams.