CHARLOTTE (AP) ó The Carolina Panthers werenít about to let their top free agent Charles Johnson get away, even if it meant shelling out big bucks.
The Panthers persuaded Johnson, their prized defensive end, to agree to a contract worth $72 million over six years and that includes a $30 million signing bonus. The team confirmed the deal Tuesday night and Johnson said he plans to sign the deal on Friday.
ěThe Panthers told me the whole time they were going to come after me hard,î Johnson said. ěI had to see it to believe, but they did.î
Johnson said he was ěblown awayî by Carolinaís offer and the money convinced him to choose Carolina over Atlanta and Denver, who also expressed interest.
ěCould you have turned that down?î Johnson said of the contract with a laugh.
The Panthers put the full court press on Johnson.General manager Marty Hurney, coach Ron Rivera and several members of the defensive staff flew to Miami on Monday night in an effort to make sure Johnson wouldnít get away.
ěA lot of people in my family were rooting for me to sign with Atlanta because it was closer to home and they could come see me play,î said Johnson, a native of Hawkinsville, Ga. ěBut I think they understand.î
Johnson had a breakout season for the Panthers in 2010 with 111/2 sacks in his first year as a starter. He had a combined 10 sacks his previous two seasons playing behind veteran ends Julius Peppers and Tyler Brayton.
Johnson said he was impressed at how important the Panthers made him feel by bringing a good portion of the coaching staff along.
ěThey showed so much respect for me, I wanted to show it back,î Johnson said.
Aside from the money, Johnson said his love of the Charlotte community played a role in his decision.
ěOnce you are settled in somewhere you get comfortable,î Johnson said. ěMoney aside, it wasnít a hard decision for me to leave because I am tied into Charlotte.î
Johnson said the first thing he plans to do with some of the signing bonus is take care of his family, most of which still lives in Georgia and some of whom wanted him to sign with the Falcons.
He said the Falcons initially showed a lot of interest, but backed off once they learned of Carolinaís offer.
Johnson can sign his contract Friday, but canít join the Panthers at training camp until Aug. 4 under new league rules. Until then he will remain in Miami and continue to train.
ěTo say Iím thankful doesnít begin to describe it,î Johnson said. ěIím so excited. Iím ready to get back to football.î