The Carolina Panthers are coming off a dismal year that netted them the first overall pick in the draft, Cam Newton, whom they hope will rejuvenate the offense. Now, the Panthers are striving toward stabilizing their defense for the foreseeable future.
The Panthers agreed to re-sign 25-year-old defensive end Charles Johnson to a six-year, $72 million deal that includes $30 million guaranteed, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. The first three years of the deal are reportedly worth $46 million.
Johnson, a third-round pick in 2007, recorded a career-high 11 1/2 sacks last season and led the Panthers with 51 tackles.
Last season marked the first year in which Johnson was a full-time starter, as he started all 16 games for the Panthers, who finished 2-14. He won a starting job after the departure of Pro-Bowler Julius Peppers.
