Free-agent defensive end Charles Johnson agreed to a six-year, $72 million deal to return to the Carolina Panthers, a source with knowledge of the situation said Tuesday. Johnson's contract, which he can't sign until Friday, comes with $32 million guaranteed, the source said. The Panthers made Johnson a top priority after he shined last season in place of Julius Peppers, who left for the Chicago Bears in free agency. "The Panthers told me the whole time they were going to come after me hard," Johnson said Tuesday after the team announced it had come to undisclosed financial terms with the player. "I had to see it to believe, but they did." Johnson said he was "blown away" by Carolina's offer, and the money convinced him to choose the team over the Falcons and Denver Broncos, who also expressed interest. "Could you have turned that down?" Johnson said with a laugh. Johnson had a breakout season for the Panthers in 2010, with 11.5 sacks in his first year as a starter. Source: NFL.com
holy crap. didnt see that kind of money coming....i dont think he'll even be the best DE on that team next year. GREG HARDY
he got damn near the money they wouldnt give peppers. and they draft cam newton fiirst overall...interesting choices all around in carolina
Hardy looked kind of slow last year. I agree though crazy how they lock him up but let Peppers leave.