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"But for how long?"
Free agent running back Mike Tolbert signed a 4-year contract with the Panthers this morning, joining a backfield that already includes DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart.
Joel Turner, Tolbert's agent, told Person the deal includes an option bonus for the final two years of the contract that must be exercised next year. Turner would not disclose the financial terms of the deal, but said the first two years are guaranteed.
The inclusion of the option clause gives the Panthers protection in the event they are unable to re-sign Stewart next year. The Panthers also could look to trade Stewart before he enters the final year of his contract, although multiple team sources told Person that scenario is unlikely.
In fact, NFL Network insider Jason La Canfora isn't at all convinced anybody will be traded.
La Canfora explained there could be some unique backfield packages in mind, and Tolbert also brings a lot of productivity on special teams. La Canfora could also see some packages of quarterback Cam Newton, Williams, Stewart and Tolbert all on field at once.
But ESPN.com's Pat Yasinskas disagrees.
According to Yasinskas, Tolbert was brought in to be the No. 2 back behind either Williams or Stewart.
It might be difficult to get a trade partner for Williams. The Panthers signed him to a huge contract last summer and that could scare off some suitors. But Yasinskas wouldn’t rule out the possibility of the Panthers dealing Williams.
Former head coach John Fox likes Williams a lot and could want a new toy for Peyton Manning in Denver. Some other team might be willing to take a shot on Williams.
But Yasinskas stresses that Stewart would be easier to trade (and Fox likes him too).
Bottom line? Yaskinsas believes between now and the draft, the Panthers will have added at least one draft pick and will be without either Stewart or Williams.
Whatever the case, Panthers head Ron Rivera and offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski came from San Diego and are familiar with Tolbert, who led the Chargers in 2010 with 735 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns.
He carried the ball 121 times for 490 yards with eight touchdowns in 2011, adding 433 yards and two more TDs as a receiver.
At 5-9 and 243 pounds, Tolbert also is an accomplished blocker and special teams player.
Tolbert led San Diego in special teams tackles last season. The former Coastal Carolina standout becomes the Panthers' third free agent acquisition with extensive special teams experience, following safety Haruki Nakamura and linebacker Kenny Onatolu.
The Panthers were near the bottom in most special teams categories in 2011, and hired an assistant special teams coach this offseason.