With the Carolina Panthers training camp two days away, the team finally signed their first-round pick to a five-year contract. Running back Jonathan Stewart inked a deal on Saturday that could be worth $20 million and includes $10.8 million guaranteed.
Stewart’s agent, Ben Dogra, said, “It’s an important year for him, as well as the team, being his rookie year. We’re all glad we were able to complete the deal.” He noted that, “It was incredibly important for Jonathan and everyone involved to have him there for camp in time.”
Stewart is an undersized but powerful running back who has great strength and balance, He’s shown potential as a receiver and return man too. Stewart played three seasons with the Oregon Ducks and had a breakout year in 2007. In 13 games, he rushed for 1,722 yards, averaging 6.2 yards per carry. He crossed the goal line 11 times. Stewart also made 22 receptions for 145 yards and two scores.
The running back will compete with two-year man and last season’s backup DeAngelo Williams for the starting spot on the Panther depth chart. In two seasons, Williams has played in 29 of 32 regular season games, averaging 4.6 yards per carry and scoring five TDs. He also grabbed 56 passes for two scores, averaging 8.7 yards per catch.
Stewart and Williams give Carolina depth in the ground attack. The team released starter DeShaun Foster who was inconsistent last season, averaging just 3.5 yards per carry and fumbling seven times while losing five.