Agent says former Giants WR Domenik Hixon has agreed to a one-year deal with the Panthers

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The agent for unrestricted free agent Domenik Hixon says his client has agreed to a one-year contract with the Carolina Panthers.

Agent Eric Metz said Wednesday his client is "very excited about joining Carolina" and feels it's a "great fit" after spending the last two days visiting with coach Ron Rivera and offensive coordinator Mike Shula.

Metz says Hixon's familiarity with new Panthers general manager Dave Gettleman played a role in his decision. A seven-year NFL veteran, Hixon spent the last five seasons with the New York Giants where Gettleman worked in the pro personnel department.

Hixon started three games last season for the Giants and played in 13, recording 39 receptions for 567 yards receiving and two touchdowns.

The signing essentially turns out to be a swap between the Panthers and Giants for potential No. 3 receivers.

Earlier this offseason the Giants signed Carolina's Louis Murphy after he become an unrestricted free agent. That left a vacancy for the Panthers behind starters Steve Smith and Brandon LaFell.

Hixon is expected to battle with recently signed Ted Ginn Jr., along with holdovers Kealoha Pilares, Armanti Edwards and Joe Adams for the third receiver spot.

For his career Hixon has started 13 games and played in 61.

He has 102 receptions for 1,405 yards receiving and six touchdowns.

The 6-foot-2, 197-pound Hixon entered the NFL with the Denver Broncos in 2006 with as an undrafted free agent out of Akron, but only played in four games and had no receptions in two seasons there.

He joined the New York Giants in 2007.

His best season came in 2008 when he started seven games and had 43 receptions for 596 yards receiving and two touchdowns.