The last time Keyshawn Johnson attended an NBA game in Charlotte he was viciously booed and security guards followed him out of the building to ensure his safety. That was almost four months ago, when Johnson was a member of the Dallas Cowboys. Now that he's a member of the Carolina Panthers, the wide receiver is one of the most popular guys in Charlotte.
Keyshawn Johnson makes first Charlotte public appearance (AP)
CHARLOTTE, North Carolina (Ticker) - After two seasons away, Reggie Howard has returned to the Carolina Panthers.
Panthers sign free agent CB Howard (SportsTicker)
Keyshawn Johnson spent Thursday meeting with the Carolina Panthers, the latest stop on his free-agency tour.
Johnson, who was released last week by the Dallas Cowboys, met Thursday with coaches and team officials. He spent Thursday night dining with general manager Marty Hurney.
Johnson had talked about visiting with the Seattle Seahawks, but the Panthers convinced him to stay a second night in Charlotte and talks seemed promising.
Panthers wooing ex-Cowboy Johnson
Carolina receiver Steve Smith might have been the biggest influence in persuading Keyshawn Johnson to the sign with the Panthers.
"He threatened me a couple of times to make this decision," Johnson quipped Friday after signing a four-year contract to play for the Panthers.
Johnson, who negotiated the contract himself while his agent serves a one-year suspension, got a $19 million deal that includes a $5 million signing bonus.
"Was I unreasonable?" he asked general manager Marty Hurney.
Keyshawn calls Smith key to his signing
The Panthers improved their offense dramatically today, making the signing of high-profile WR Keyshawn Johnson official.
"We believe that we have a wide receiver and a football player who is going to have a huge impact on our football team over the next four years," Panthers general manager Marty Hurney said at the press conference on Friday.
--WR Keyshawn Johnson doesn't believe he will have a problem coexisting with fellow receiver Steve Smith. When asked about being the No. 1 receiver in most places he's gone, Johnson replied, "I don't even know what a number one receiver is. I know what a dominant receiver is and Steve Smith is definitely dominant. Steve Smith will probably be the number one, the two and three based on the situation. The running back will be the one, the two and three based on the situation.
Carolina Panthers Notes, Quotes
After a surprising change of heart, the Carolina Panthers went strong after free agent Keyshawn Johnson, signing the controversial wide receiver to a four-year contract worth $14 million late Thursday night (March 23). Johnson will get $5 million to sign. "Keyshawn is a very talented receiver," Panthers general manager Marty Hurney said. "He's smart, he's tough and he's a physical receiver. He's been extremely productive.
Carolina Panthers Inside Slant
OWINGS MILLS -- The Carolina Panther reclaimed punter Jason Baker, whom Baltimore has been pursuing, by signing him to a two-year contract worth $1.8 million that includes a $400,000 signing bonus, his agent confirmed Tuesday morning.
The decision to sign Keyshawn Johnson could preclude the team from bringing back 37-year old Ricky Proehl for a fourth season. The Panthers now have Steve Smith and Johnson as their starting receivers and Keary Colbert and promising youngster Drew Carter already on the receiving corps. The Panthers also reserve a roster spot for wide receiver Karl Hankton, though he plays almost exclusively on special teams.
Carolina Panthers Strategy and Personnel
The Carolina Panthers have given coach John Fox a five-year contract extension as a reward for taking them deep into the playoffs in two of the last three seasons.
Fox, who had two years left on his current contract, received a deal that runs through 2010 and will pay him close to $5 million a season. The Panthers announced the extension Monday at the NFL meetings.
"We are very pleased to sign John to a five-year contract," team president Mark Richardson said.
Panthers give Fox five-year contract extension