The Carolina Panthers announced Friday the signing of unrestricted free agent quarterback Joe Webb, who has spent the last four years with the Minnesota Vikings, to a one-year contract. Webb played both quarterback and wide receiver at Minnesota, but will be a quarterback with the Panthers.

Webb completed 88 of 152 passing attempts for 853 yards and three touchdowns and five interceptions as a Viking. He played collegiately at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and was drafted in the sixth round of the 2010 NFL Draft.

“Joe had a strong workout for us today. He is a young player who intrigues us and has a similar skill set to Cam,” says Carolina head coach Ron Rivera. “With Cam sidelined for the spring, it is an opportunity to get a good evaluation of Joe as well as Matt Blanchard, who was on our practice squad last year.”

Quarterback Cam Newton underwent ankle surgery this week and is expected to be sidelined approximately four months. Last week the Panthers re-signed quarterback Derek Anderson, who will continue in the role of Newton’s primary backup.