Free safety Haruki Nakamura had a forgettable first season with the Carolina Panthers, surrendering a pair of big plays, including a 49-yard touchdown, during a 30-28 loss to the Atlanta Falcons on Sept. 30. By the end of the 2012 season, Nakamura was used primarily on running downs before he was placed on injured reserve after aggravating a groin injury in December. According to a source with knowledge of the situation, Nakamura has agreed to restructured contract that lowers his 2013 salary by nearly $500,000 and likely reflects a role moving forward as a core special teams player who will compete for a starting job. Originally scheduled to earn $1.3 million in non-guaranteed base salary this season, Nakamura will now earn $815,000 in total cash compensation if he makes the Panthers' 53-man roster. As part of the restructured contract, Nakamura received a $65,000 signing bonus, which is the only portion of the new deal that is guaranteed, can earn a $35,000 workout bonus this offseason and is scheduled to earn $715,000 in base salary with an additional $300,000 in available playing-time incentives. Source: Yahoo! Sports
