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Plaxico Burress to Panthers unlikely?

NFL, New York Jets, Carolina Panthers, New York Giants, Pittsburgh Steelers

Plaxico Burress said again Thursday that he would like to sign with the Carolina Panthers, but according to a published report the pairing is highly unlikely to happen.

An unnamed team official told the Charlotte Observer that the Panthers aren't interested in signing the former New York Jets, Giants and Pittsburgh Steelers receiver.

Burress said in a radio interview with WFNZ in Charlotte on Monday that, "no doubt about it," he wants to play for the Panthers next season but acknowledged he hasn't received a call from the team.

Burress, in an on-set interview with "ESPN First Take" in Miami on Thursday, again said he hadn't talked with the Panthers but added that he's been in contact with Cam Newton, the team's starting quarterback. He said Carolina is "just a great fit" for him.

"I've talked to Cam Newton several times," Burress said. "I really like him as a quarterback."

Burress, in his earlier interview with WFNZ, cited that his brother and cousin live in Charlotte and other family members live in Columbia, S.C., as some of the main reasons he'd like to play for the Panthers.

Burress returned to the NFL last season after missing two seasons because of a prison sentence for accidentally shooting himself in the leg at a nightclub.

He signed a one-year, $3 million contract with the Jets. The New York Post, citing an unnamed league source, reported that some teams feel Burress was overpaid by the Jets and that he will have to agree to an incentive-laden contract to find a team to play for next season.

Burress, 34, tied for the Jets' lead with eight touchdown receptions but never really clicked with quarterback Mark Sanchez, finishing with 612 yards and 45 receptions.

On Thursday, Burress said he's ready to play at the level he did before he went to prison.

"I'm a lot stronger than what I was last year, obviously," he said. "And I think a lot of people will be surprised at the kind of shape that I'm in. I'm ready to go and compete back at the level that I know I can play at."

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.

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