Early this week the Panthers were just two contracts away from having everyone signed in time for training camp, and now the last deal has been done. Yesterday the Panthers signed rookie offensive tackle Jeff Otah, and this morning Adam Schefter of NFL Network is reporting that the Panthers have signed running back Jonathan Stewart.
Stewart's deal is a five-year contract with a base value of $14 million and maximum value of $20 million, with $10.795 million in guarantees.
Carolina took Stewart with the 13th overall pick in the draft. An hour later they traded their 2009 first-round choice to take Otah with the 19th overall pick. Both players are expected to compete for spots in the starting lineup as rookies; Stewart is also likely to contribute on kickoff returns.
