The Carolina Panthers have claimed cornerback/return specialist Brian Witherspoon off waivers, Darin Gantt of the Rock Hill Herald reports.

Witherspoon, who is signed through 2010, was waived by the Detroit Lions on Thursday.

Witherspoon entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent, signing with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2008. Witherspoon made 16 tackles and recovered a special teams fumble during his rookie season, but was waived by the Jaguars late last season and claimed by the Lions, where he appeared in one game.

As a kick and punt returner, Witherspoon has averaged 23.6 yards on 80 kick returns, with a career long of 51 yards, and 10.8 yards on 26 punt returns, with a long of 42 yards.