DeAngelo Williams and Charles Johnson have both agreed new deals with the Carolina Panthers.
Williams and Johnson ink long-term deals to stay in Carolina
The Carolina Panthers have agreed new contracts with running back DeAngelo Williams and defensive end Charles Johnson.
Williams, who played only six games last year because of injury, will sign a five-year deal worth up to $43 million when the NFL's free agency period resumes on Friday.
The 28-year-old, picked in the first round of the 2006 draft by the Panthers, enjoyed his best season in 2008 when he ran for 1,515 yards and 18 touchdowns.
Johnson, 25, has also agreed terms on a new contract, in his case worth up to $72 million over six years.
He led the Panthers with 11.5 sacks in the 2010 season, although that did not stop his team from slumping to a league-worst 2-14 record.
Record
He also tied a franchise record as he recorded six sacks in consecutive games during his first season as a starter.
Johnson had been viewed as one of the top defensive free agents ahead this off-season but will stay at the Panthers as they try to rebuild under new head coach Ron Rivera and number one overall draft pick Cam Newton.
Meanwhile, the
Buffalo Bills have made a move ahead of the start of free agency, agreeing to a three-year contract with former Kansas City and Miami quarterback Tyler Thigpen.
Thigpen will play under head coach Chan Gailey, who was his his offensive co-ordinator when he was starting for the Chiefs.
