Former Ravens and Tennessee Titans offensive tackle Michael Oher has signed a two-year contract with the Carolina Panthers, the team announced.
"I'm excited to be joining an organization that knows how to win," Oher said in a statement. "They've won the past two division championships, and I'm excited to be a part of it. When I came here on a visit, the culture was great. They're very into winning and doing everything possible to win."
Oher, 28, failed his exit physical when he was waived by the Tennessee Titans. According to a source, his foot injury that ended his season is now nearly completely recovered.
Oher will be reunited with former Ravens offensive line coach John Matsko, who was fired by the Ravens after the 2010 season and replaced by assistant Andy Moeller.
"He's a great coach," Oher said. "I learned a lot from him my first two years when he was in Baltimore, and the assistant that was with him in Baltimore carried his techniques on for a couple of more years. I'm excited to be back with him, working with him again. He knows how to teach football."
Taken by the Ravens at No. 23 overall in the 2009 NFL draft out of Mississippi, Oher started every game over five seasons with the Ravens.
He signed a five-year, $20 million contract with the Titans last offseason.
He was paid $6 million by the Titans this past season. If he had remained on their roster, $3.35 million of Oher's scheduled $4 million base salary for 2015 would have been guaranteed.
Oher started the first 11 games at right tackle for the Titans before being placed on injured reserve with a toe injury.
The Ravens replaced Oher with Rick Wagner, who emerged as one of the top right tackles in the NFL last season, allowing just two sacks.
awilson@baltsun.com
twitter.com/RavensInsider