Free agent defensive back Marcus Hudson, who played the last four years for the San Francisco 49ers, has signed a one-year deal with the Carolina Panthers.

Hudson, a sixth-round draft pick in 2006 out of North Carolina State who grew up rooting for the 49ers, played his first two years with San Francisco under assistant special teams coach Jeff Rodgers, who is now the Panthers special teams coach. And with the Panthers, he will get to play close to where he starred in college with the Wolfpack.

Hudson, 6-2, 200 pounds, has appeared in 48 games in four seasons and has made 68 tackles. In 2009, the special teams ace played in 12 games and was credited with 21 tackles. On Oct. 25 against the Houston Texans, Hudson had arguably his best game as a professional with seven tackles.

Fourth-year cornerback Marcus Hudson is a key member of an improved secondary that has helped the San Francisco 49ers to a quick start in 2009.

Now in his fourth season, Hudson has played in four of the team's six games so far this year, amassing 11 tackles in the process. On Oct. 25 against the Houston Texans, the Houston resident had arguably his best game as a professional. He had seven tackles in the game, but the 49ers fell just short in the end by a score of 24-21.

Hudson, a 6th-round pick out of North Carolina State in 2006 by San Francisco, has appeared in 40 games in his three-plus-year career, including all 16 his rookie year.

On a team that appears poised to threaten to make the playoffs for the next several years, Hudson will look to play a large role in the legendary team's return to greatness.

Hudson’s best friends in the NFL include fellow North Carolina State alum Steven Tulloch of the Titans, Antrel Rolle of the Cardinals and Ronald Fields of the Broncos. He grew up rooting for the 49ers.