Teams looking for a pass rusher in free agency can cross one name off their list. The Carolina Panthers took no chances with defensive end Charles Johnson, signing him to a two-year, $9.5 million deal.
According to the NFL Network, as the legal tampering period had opened up Johnson had some offers from other teams for more money but chose to stay with the Panthers through the 2018 NFL season.
The #Panthers have signed DE Charles Johnson
Read More » https://t.co/xZHYXkq5ll pic.twitter.com/OiyZWKQ61k
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) March 7, 2017
“It’s great to have Charles back,” coach Ron Rivera said. “He has spent his entire career with the Panthers, has emerged as a leader for us in the last few years, and is a big part of the reason we’ve had the success we’ve had. We look forward to having Charles continue to be part of our team.”
It’s a good contract for a player coming off a down season. Of course, the entire Panthers organization could say the same thing. Johnson played in 13 games in 2016, recorded 26 tackles, four sacks, two passes defended and three forced fumbles. Johnson hasn’t recorded double-digit sacks since 2013 when he had 11.
Keeping Johnson does give Carolina some much-needed continuity since they’re installing a new defensive coordinator in Steve Wilks. Wilks, who was the assistant head coach in Carolina for the last two seasons, will likely use a similar scheme as departed defensive coordinator Sean McDermott and locking Johnson in for two years at around $4.75 million a season looks like a good gamble to make as they work in some new bodies.
Cardinals and Gresham make it work
No worries on any youth movement for the Arizona Cardinals. Tuesday the team announced they had reached a four-year contract agreement with tight end Jermaine Gresham who was set to become a free agent on March 9. Exact terms haven’t been revealed, but the early word is the contract will at least match $3.5 million he collected per season over the last two years with Arizona.
Cardinals announced the four-year deal for TE Jermaine Gresham. Sources say he doubled up on the $3.5m he made this year. Good deal for him.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 7, 2017
It’s not readily apparent why the Cardinals were so eager to keep Gresham. He was a solid target in his time with the Cincinnati Bengals, averaging over 50 catches, 500 yards and four touchdowns in each of his first five seasons. With the Cardinals, he hasn’t been much of a factor in their offense. He caught just 18 passes total in 2015 and last season hauled in 37. He’s scored three touchdowns total in two seasons.
Patriots and Malcolm Butler continue financial and football relationship
Tuesday the New England Patriots assigned a first round restricted free agent tender to cornerback Malcolm Butler. The deal is a good one for the Pats, who could get one more year out of Butler for just $3.91 million before he hits unrestricted free agent status. Butler is free to negotiate with other teams for a long term contract, but New England will have the right to match that offer and keep him, or let him walk and collect that team’s first round pick.
Patriots extend first-round tender to Malcolm Butler: https://t.co/0dVXmMpVWC (via @RapSheet) pic.twitter.com/SJaSxq1bNj
— NFL (@NFL) March 8, 2017
Butler has been one of the best corners in the league since the team moved him there from safety in his second season. He also happens to be the guy that made the game-saving pick in Super Bowl 49 to preserve a victory over the Seattle Seahawks. Butler was an undrafted free agent signee out of NCAA Division II West Alabama.
Last year Butler picked off four passes, defended 16 passes, forced a fumble, recovered two fumbles and recorded 63 tackles.
49ers cut Bethea and Smith
Wide receiver Torrey Smith and safety Antoine Bethea will hit the free agent market Thursday after the 49ers released both of them in salary cap-saving moves Tuesday. Cutting Smith frees up $4.8 million in cap space for the Niners and releasing Bethea will give them $7 million. For a team in complete rebuilding mode, every dollar probably helps.
https://twitter.com/89SteveSmith/status/838859299069837312?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
Smith had an abysmal season with the hapless 49ers in 2016, catching just 20 passes in 12 games for 267 yards and three touchdowns.
Bethea was one of the few bright spots in an otherwise forgettable season. He recorded 110 tackles, recovered a fumble, forced a fumble, defended three passes and had a pick.
To make a wager on any sport, go to the world famous Diamond Sportsbook by clicking here.
