Carolina Panthers offensive tackle Kirk Barton has apparently retired, Darin Gantt of the Charlotte Observer reports. Barton, who the Panthers claimed off waivers from the Denver Broncos on Tuesday, was not at practice today. Barton appeared in one game for the Chicago Bears, who selected him in the seventh-round of the 2008 NFL Draft out of Ohio State. Barton has also had stints with the Miami Dolphins, San Francisco 49ers, Cincinnati Bengals, and Detroit Lions. Offensive tackle Jason Capizzi was waived by the Panthers so they could add Barton, and could be brought back to improve their numbers in advance of Saturday night's pre-season game against the Tennessee Titans. Source: macsfootballblog
