The Carolina Panthers get to keep their prized free agent Charles Johnson with a $72 million deal. The deal, finalized last night is spread over 6 years with a signing bonus of a cool $30 million. Johnson plans to sign the new contract on Friday.

Johnson couldn’t resist the offer saying, “Could you have turned that down?” He had to turn down Atlanta and Denver, both of whom were intent on signing him up.

The Panthers management came after their top defensive end, hard, not sparing general manager Marty Hurney, coach Ron Rivera and members of the Panthers defensive staff. They all traveled to Miami to press Johnson to stay. Their efforts were well worth it as Johnson was, in his own words, “blown away” with the resulting deal.

Johnson was impressed with the full entourage who came to show respect and to make him feel an important part of the team. He said he wanted to show that respect back saying, “It wasn’t a hard decision for me to leave because I am tied into Charlotte.”

Johnson is from Hawkinsville, Georgia and members of his family were more inclined  for him to play with Atlanta for him to be closer to home. “But I think they understand.” he says of their reaction to his decision. And once the Atlanta Falcons heard of the money being offered, they backed off.

The breakout season for Johnson with the Panthers was in 2010 when he recorded 11.5 sacks and 61 tackles as starter.

Although Johnson signs the contract on Friday, he will join practices and training starting August 4, following new rules in the league.

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