The Carolina Panthers have agreed to terms on a four-year deal with ex-San Diego Chargers running back Mike Tolbert, a league source told NFL Network insider Jason La Canfora on Monday.
"Mike is a very versatile player," Panthers general manager Marty Hurney said. "He can jump in and play fullback, he catches the ball well out of the backfield and plays running back. He's also an outstanding special teams player."
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Tolbert's agent Joel Turner said his client signed a four-year contract, but would not disclose financial terms. However, he said Tolbert left more than $1 million on the table from San Diego.
"That's how bad he wanted to play there," Turner said. "He loves the idea of playing for Ron Rivera and being on the same team with Cam Newton. He just thinks it's a great fit."
Tolbert had 490 yards rushing and 433 yards receiving on 54 catches last season and scored 10 touchdowns while splitting time with Ryan Mathews. His best season came in 2010, when he led the Chargers with 735 yards rushing and 11 touchdowns.
Carolina already had one of the deepest and most talented backfields in the league with DeAngelo Williams, Jonathan Stewart and Mike Goodson. All three are under contract for next season.
"Mike's signing does not mean we're trying to trade DeAngelo or Jonathan," Hurney said. "We're making no attempts to trade either one of them. We've made no calls and will make no calls."
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
