UNC's Mapp, Barth sign NFL free-agent contracts

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UNC's Mapp, Barth sign NFL free-agent contracts

UNC vs. South Carolina - October 13, 2007

North Carolina's kicker, Connor Barth, kicks a field goal in the second quarter to the Tar Heels on the board.

Apr 29, 2008

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North Carolina football players Durell Mapp and Connor Barth signed free-agent contracts with NFL teams Tuesday.

NFL free agents generally compete in camp for positions on the roster and receive very modest money up front.

A linebacker from Burlington, Mapp is headed to Green Bay, while Barth, Carolina's record-setting place-kicker will report to Kansas City.

Mapp was a second-team All-ACC performer who led Carolina with 132 tackles in his senior season.

"I think it's a good situation for me, because Green Bay didn't draft a linebacker," Mapp said. "I talked to the Packers throughout this process and I like their linebackers coach. He reminds me a lot of Coach (Tommy) Thigpen. They love their football in Green Bay, so I'm excited about this opportunity."

Bath, from Wilmington, kicked a school record 54 field goals as a Tar Heel and made 19 in a row at one stretch.

"I had a couple of different options, but I thought Kansas City presented me with the best opportunity to compete for the starting job," said Barth. "I'm just anxious to get started."

Barth will report to Kansas City on May 16. The Chiefs have struggled to find a consistent kicker as four players have played the position in the last year. John Carney, Nick Novak and Bill Cundiff are the other kickers currently on the roster.

Most Recent Comments

Even if Barth doesn't make KC, someone will pick him up. With the training they have in the NFL, he will soon have the ability to make 50+ yarders consistantly.