Jonathan Stewart, a former star at Timberline High School in Lacey, signed a five-year contract extension with the NFL’s Carolina Panthers on Saturday.
Stewart, a 2004 Timberline graduate who was in Lacey last month for his annual youth football camp, was in the final year of his contract. The Panthers decided to lock up the 25-year-old running back before he was eligible for free agency at the end of the season.
Ben Dogra, Stewart’s agent, said the deal is worth $36.5 million and could reach $42.5 million if Stewart reaches certain incentives. The contract guarantees $22.5 million, including a $9 million signing bonus.
“We are thrilled to be able to extend Jonathan for five additional years. He is a perfect fit for our organization,” Panthers general manager Marty Hurney said in a release. “He is a playmaker who can make the difference in games.”
A first-round draft pick out of the University of Oregon in 2008, Stewart is the second-leading rusher in Panthers history with 3,500 yards and 26 touchdowns in four seasons. He holds the team record for rushing yards in a game with 206 against the New York Giants on Dec. 27, 2009.
EXTRA POINTS
Miami Dolphins receiver Chad Johnson was arrested on a domestic violence charge, accused of head-butting his newlywed wife during an argument in front of their home outside Miami. … Matt Schaub led one scoring drive and threw an interception in his first action since breaking his right foot last season, and the Texans beat the Panthers, 26-13, in the preseason opener for both teams. … Bengals guard Travelle Wharton will miss the season with a knee injury, according to an ESPN report. … Packers linebacker Desmond Bishop, the team’s leading tackler last season, will need surgery on his injured right hamstring, and coach Mike McCarthy said Bishop’s season is in jeopardy. … The Saints waived injured rookie guard Andrew Tiller as well as cornerback A.J. Davis and linebacker Nate Bussey. … The Cardinals signed fullback Reagan Maui’a and released guard Chris Stewart. … The Bears signed linebackers Xavier Adibi and K.C. Asiodu, as well as rookie defensive end Aston Whiteside. They waived defensive tackle Ronnie Cameron and cornerback Jeremy Ware.
JOIN THE DISCUSSION | Register here
We welcome comments. Please keep them civil, short and to the point. ALL CAPS, spam, obscene, profane, abusive and off topic comments will be deleted. Repeat offenders will be blocked. Thanks for taking part — and abiding by these simple rules. A thorough explanation of rules of conduct can be found in our Terms of Service. If you have any questions, including why your comment may not be showing immediately after you submit it, be sure to visit the commenting FAQ.