NFL Free Agency: DeAngelo Williams Re-SIgns with Panthers

ESPN's Adam Shefter reports that DeAngelo Williams has reached an agreement in principle to remain a Panther for five more seasons. The deal is worth $43 million, $21 million of which is guaranteed. 

This is yet another big move made by the Panthers. Yesterday, they locked up defensive end Charles Johnson to a $72 million deal. Owner Jerry Richardson continues to fulfill his promise to fans that he is committed to bringing this team back to contention soon.

This signing will have some immediate effects. First of all, this mean that the Panthers' "Double Trouble" running back tandem will remain intact. It can also be seen as "Tripe Trouble" now, as youngster Mike Goodson proved to be a very talented player when he stepped up to compliment Jonathan Stewart in Williams' absence. 

This also means that fantasy football owners who drafted, or were looking to draft Jonathan Stewart or Mike Goodson, will be disappointed.

Carolina should be happy with this deal though. There were many rumored suitors for Williams, who remained in contact with the Panthers during the past two days and refrained from negotiation with other teams. Williams is a top-10 NFL running back and this deal is in alignment with that.   

Panthers fans can now take in a breath of relief, as the team now has signed its two major free agents. They will now look to improve outside of the organization, possibly adding some depth in the secondary and on the defensive line. 

The Panthers can also now shift the focus to their less notorious free agents; such as linebacker James Anderson. The team will also attempt to extend the contracts of fellow linebackers Thomas Davis and Jon Beason. Beason remains on his rookie contract and the Panthers will likely throw a lot of money at him. Davis has battled injury, but is incredibly talented and one of the most athletic linebackers in the league.