Carolina Panthers: Jonathan Stewart’s Contract Restructure a Smart Move
Running back Jonathan Stewart was set to play in 2017 on essentially a one year deal, but the Carolina Panthers opted to retain his services for an additional year.
Taken in the first round in the 2008 NFL Draft, the talented Jonathan Stewart still finds himself as one of the better running backs in the league—when his health allows. Almost certain to become the franchise all-time leading rusher early in the coming season, the Carolina Panthers have ensured Stewart another two years in a Panthers uniform while they begin a search for his successor.
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Entering the season with a cap hit of $8.25 million, Stewart’s 2018 figures were set to become fully voidable by the team, and reduced his deal to that of one year. With this restructure, his figure for the upcoming season drops to $6.175 million in fully guaranteed money.
His 2018 contract figures come in at a base value of $3.75 million, with $1.1 million guaranteed from his signing bonus. An assortment of incentives and bonuses make up the remainder, but his 2018 figure will surely total up to a reasonable amount.
Despite nearly a decade as a Panther and now sitting on the wrong side of 30, Stewart is still an integral piece to the Panthers offense. His penchant for ankle injuries has followed him since college, and always prevented him from being considered a truly elite running back. Regardless, the Panthers offense consistently sputters in his absence, with Stewart churning out tough yards and making for a powerful pairing with Cam Newton.
The team is almost guaranteed to take a running back early in the NFL Draft, and luckily for them the depth of the class will provide value and options. If Leonard Fournette of LSU finds himself dropping ever so slightly on draft night, he certainly won’t get past the Panthers at No. 8.
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Wayne Gallman out of Clemson, Jamaal Williams of BYU, and Marlon Mack of South Florida could also provide quality options in the middle rounds. The Panthers will be certain to take a heedful approach in providing Stewart a running-mate for his final two years.