Look out, the Panthers have a threat besides Steve Smith. The Carolina Panthers signed wide receiver Keyshawn Johnson to a $19 million deal over four years. Smith apparantly played a huge part in Johnson agreeing to play for the Panthers.
"He threatened me a couple of times to make this decision," said Johnson.
Last year, Smith was the only receiving threat the Panthers had, literally. If Smith didn't have over 10 catches and 150 yards receiving a game, it seemed like the Panthers offense would struggle. Smith kept on producing until he was shut down by the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC Championship.
"I didn't come here to catch 100 balls," Johnson said. "I came here because I feel Carolina is the team with the best chance to get to the Super Bowl."
Johnson was released by the Dallas Cowboys last week after they planned on acquiring Terrell Owens. Johnson was the number one receiver in Dallas, but he does not have a problem being number two in Carolina.
"The only people who get caught up in No. 1 or No. 2 are the ones playing fantasy football," he said. "The only number that means anything is the number of (Super Bowl) rings you have on your finger. Steve is important to me and he's the reason I came here. And I'm important to him."
The Panthers will have DeShaun Foster returning as their featured running back after signing him to a deal recently. Keary Colbert, who was not too impressive this past season, will have a chance to thrive in the slot position now.