Jonathan Stewart Signs 5-Year Extension with Carolina Panthers

The Carolina Panthers have locked up one of their feature backs for the foreseeable future. 

According to reporter and radio host Adam Caplan of The Sideline View, the Panthers have agreed to a five-year deal with Jonathan Stewart.

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#Panthers announced they signed RB Jonathan Stewart to a five-year extension.

— Adam Caplan (@caplannfl) August 11, 2012"

ESPN's Adam Schefter outlined some of the terms of the deal for us on Twitter:

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Panthers RB Jonathan Stewart signed a five-year extension worth $36.5 million and a max of $42.5, including $22.5 million guaranteed.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 11, 2012"

Stewart was entering the final year of his contract, and it was expected that the two sides would come to terms at some point to quell any doubt.

The 25-year-old is heading into his fifth year in the league and put up solid numbers for Carolina in 2011, finished with 761 rushing yards and four touchdowns in shared duties.

Stewart's best season came back in 2009, when he rushed for a career-high 1,133 yards and put up 10 TDs.

He gelled well in Carolina's newfound offense under Cam Newton, as his ability to catch the ball out of the backfield was a great addition to their strong rushing game and the rookie's throwing arm.

Stewart is a durable back who has proven to be a major contributor while complementing DeAngelo Williams in the backfield. Re-signing the versatile back makes sense for the Panthers and their new offense under Newton.