Jeff Otah has signed his contract with the Carolina Panthers.

Carolina… swung a trade that included giving away a 2009 first-round choice to land Otah with the 19th pick.

Terms of Otah’s contract weren’t available.

Otah, 6-foot-6, 330 pounds, is expected to add a mauling presence to the right side of the offensive line. He’s first on the depth chart at right tackle after being credited with 192 knockdown blocks in two college seasons at Pittsburgh, including 26 that led to touchdowns.

Another former Pitt offensive lineman, Charles Spencer was released by the Houston Texans.

Spencer (6-4, 337 pounds) is battling back from a serious knee injury he suffered Sept. 17, 2006, against the Indianapolis Colts. He remained hopeful all month the Texans would let him open camp with them Friday.

“They just didn’t feel I was healthy enough to compete in camp, so that’s why they made their decision,” Spencer said. “Only I know how I feel, and I feel like I can compete and be a starter for the Texans. But they make their decisions. I respect that.”

Spencer remains focused on playing again. He said his leg is stronger than it was before the injury, and he is simply working to get back in football shape.

“Of course I’m going to play football again,” Spencer said. “I’ll find a job.”

A third-round pick in 2006, Spencer suffered a serious fracture to his tibial plateau in just his second start. He underwent surgery and had eight metal screws inserted in his knee. He has spent the past 22 months rigorously rehabilitating it.

Well, Spencer was right. He was signed by… the Carolina Panthers. Add in Nick Goings and Carolina probably has the most  former Pitt players in the NFL