The Carolina Panthers had no plans to sign a big name to replace defensive end Charles Johnson when they released him last week. But they kept the door open for 'Big Money' to return.
After meeting with the Giants and Bucs, Johnson's decided there's no place like his home for the past nine seasons. According to a league source, he's planning to re-sign with the Panthers on Wednesday.
The news was first reported by ESPN's Adam Schefter Tuesday night, followed by this interesting nugget:
Panthers giving Charles Johnson a 1-year, $3 million deal after he turned down $6 million per year from other teams to remain in Carolina.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 9, 2016
The Panthers were facing a $15 million cap charge for Johnson before they cut him last week. The move saved them $11 million, with the rest designated as dead money. That $4 million combined with Johnson's new $3 million salary means the Panthers saved around $8 million toward the cap while keeping a player who's racked up the second-most sacks in franchise history.
Johnson was the third well-known Panthers' veteran general manager Dave Gettleman cut in as many offseasons, but this wasn't like Steve Smith and DeAngelo Williams. Neither side burned bridges and Johnson had a chance to look elsewhere. It then took him just five days to figure the grass may not be greener:
Charles Johnson telling me he almost signed with the #Giants. “I came pretty close, but ultimately my heart is in Carolina."
— Josina Anderson (@JosinaAnderson) March 9, 2016
Charles Johnson to me: "It’s not about the money. Carolina is home and I wouldn’t have been happy if I went somewhere else.” #Panthers
— Josina Anderson (@JosinaAnderson) March 9, 2016
Charles Johnson added, “The #Giants are a 1st class organization, but now I have one more year to get back where I want to be, at home."
— Josina Anderson (@JosinaAnderson) March 9, 2016