Mark Jones, who helped solidify Carolina's return game last season after Ryne Robinson went down with a knee injury in training camp, signed a free-agent contract with the Tennessee Titans on Wednesday. The Titans signed Jones after free-agent kick returner Chris Carr signed with Baltimore.

Jones becomes the third Carolina unrestricted free agent to leave the Panthers, joining offensive linemen Geoff Hangartner (Buffalo) and Frank Omiyale (Chicago).

Because they're so tight under the salary cap -- a product of having to absorb Peppers' $16.683 million franchise tag number -- the Panthers haven't signed any unrestricted free agents, while losing three.

Last season Jones was seventh in the NFL in punt return average (11.4 yards) and 22nd in kickoff return average (24 yards).

Although he lacked breakaway speed, Jones was reliable. He fielded 79 total kickoffs and punt returns and did not turn the ball over and played better as the season progressed. Jones also caught two passes for 32 yards.

However, he was deemed expendable because Robinson is expected to return this season for the Panthers and handle return duties as well as being the No. 4 receiver. Jason Carter and Kenny Moore could also compete for the job.

For Jones, the return to Tennessee is a bit of a homecoming. He played college ball at the University of Tennessee.

He's played in 59 career regular season NFL games. His statistics include 156 punt returns for 1,460 yards, an average of 9.4 yards per attempt, and he also boasts a 24.2-yard average (1,405 yards) on 58 career kickoff returns.

The 28-year-old Jones was originally selected by Tampa Bay in the seventh round of the 2004 NFL Draft.