On the same day that the Panthers and the USFL announced that Lance Lenoir and Tino Ellis were transitioning to the NFL, the Panthers began the process of filling in the roster spots, most recently left vacant. This week they began their off-season by signing four players, three of which are extremely unknown, however a familiar face among the 4.

The name that jumps off the list is Kiante Hardin. Hardin was most recently released by the BC Lions and is a former CFL Rookie of the Year, who in 2021 had 45 tackles and 2 Ints in 11 games started. Hardin is by far the most accomplished and experienced out of the new barrage of Panthers, joining Jeff Fisher’s 2023 squad.

Joining Hardin is KeAndre Evans, La’Darius McElroy, and LaDarren Brown. McElroy and Evans both come to the Panthers by Ouachita Baptist, with only McElroy having any pro experience with a short stint in the IFL with the San Diego Strike Force.

The last of the unknown is LaDarren Brown, OKST. Brown spent most of his time as a reserve running back backing up, Chuba Howard and Justice Hill. Brown just graduated from OKST, and has now signed his first pro contract. In 5 seasons at OKST, Brown had rushed for 1,126 yards and had 9 rushing touchdowns.

With the infancy stages of free agency beginning, expect the Panthers to continue to build and add to the as the weeks go by. With the 2022-23 offseason for the USFL harboring a lot of questions, such as eligibility, pay rates, and roster sizes, at least for now Panthers fans can have some solace that the team is actively making strides to improve the roster.

Stay with USFL News Hub all off season.