Panthers re-sign free-agent DT Cole to 1-year deal

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- The Panthers announced they've re-signed unrestricted free agent defensive tackle Colin Cole to a one-year contract.

Financial terms were not released Wednesday.

The return of Cole means the Panthers have kept their entire defensive line rotation from last season intact.

Cole started 13 games last season for the Panthers second-ranked defense in 2014 and helped the team to the NFC South championship. Cole, whose role is primarily to take up blocks up front, had 15 tackles, one sack and three quarterback pressures. He missed all of the 2011 and 2012 seasons with an ankle injury.

Cole, 33, has played in 99 career games in eight seasons with 47 starts.