SPARTANBURG, S.C. (AP) — Carolina Panthers owner Jerry Richardson has proven he’s willing to spend money.
Richardson has been criticized the past few seasons for being tight with his money as the Panthers went from NFC division winners in 2008 to the worst record in the league (2-14) this past season. That changed once free agency began after the lockout with Richardson’s Panthers locking up their own key players and bringing in free agents with big-money deals.
Defensive end Charles Johnson signed for $72 million and tailback DeAngelo Williams for $43 million. Kicker Olindo Mare was brought in for $12 million to replace the last original Panther, John Kasey.
The Panthers also extended the contract of Pro Bowl linebacker Jon Beason.
Richardson says what the Panthers had done since 2008 wasn’t working.
