Former CFL receiver Marken Michel signs with Carolina Panthers

Former Canadian Football League receiver Marken Michel has signed with the Carolina Panthers.

Michel worked out for the team on Saturday and signed his contract Sunday.

He had a solid pre-season with Philadelphia in 2019, catching four passes for 117 yards, most notably a 75-yard touchdown against the Tennessee Titans. Michel has NFL bloodlines with brother Sony currently a running back for the New England Patriots. Michel spent part of the season on the Eagles’ practice roster and had re-signed with the Eagles in January.

General manager Howie Roseman traded for Marquise Goodwin prior to the 2020 NFL draft and that led to Michel being released by Philly. Philadelphia also targeted the position on draft day and chose Texas Christian University pass catcher Jalen Reagor in the first round, 21st overall.

The 27-year-old Michel went unselected in the 2016 NFL draft, but signed an undrafted free agent contract with the Minnesota Vikings. Michel was released at the end of training camp and went north of the border to Calgary the next year.

During Michel’s rookie CFL season in 2017, he caught 41 balls for 780 yards and three majors. In 2018, Michel made 31 catches for 435 yards with five touchdowns. The five-foot-11, 190-pound target quickly became a favourite of Bo Levi Mitchell, hauling in 72 of his passes for 1,215 yards and eight touchdowns with a 16.9 yards per catch average.

Michel joins fellow former CFL star Brandon Zylstra on the Panthers roster as both players try to earn spots coming out of training camp.