Charlotte, NC - Veteran cornerback Chris Houston has signed a one-year contract with the Carolina Panthers, the team announced Monday.

Houston did not play in the NFL last season after being released by Detroit in June. The 30-year-old started 54 games for the Lions over the previous four years, but was limited to just 12 games in 2013 by a nagging toe injury that required surgery.

The seven-year pro has made 91 career starts with Atlanta and Detroit and compiled 370 tackles, 13 interceptions and 80 passes defensed over 99 NFL games.

Houston's best season came with Detroit in 2011, when he intercepted a career- best five passes and returned two for touchdowns.