The Panthers aren't letting Charles Johnson walk out the door.
The team on Tuesday signed the veteran defensive pass-rusher to a two-year contract extension through 2018.
NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported that Johnson turned down more money elsewhere to accept the team's offer of $9.5 million over two seasons.
"It's great to have Charles back," coach Ron Rivera told the team's official website. "He has spent his entire career with the Panthers, has emerged as a leader for us in the last few years, and is a big part of the reason we've had the success we've had. We look forward to having Charles continue to be part of our team."
A third-round draft pick in 2007, Johnson ranks second in team history with 67.5 sacks. The 30-year-old finished with four takedowns over 13 games last season and ranked behind just Kony Ealy for team snaps from the end position.
If he's not the same impact player he was during his peak years, Johnson remains a reliable and valuable piece of the puzzle for the Panthers. That won't change in 2017.
