The Panthers are continuing their recent activity of signing their core players to long contract extensions. Carolina and safety, Charles Godfrey agreed to a five year contract extension on Friday night. The deal will give Godfrey over $12 million in guaranteed money and will pay him a total of $27 million over the life of the contract.
A great number of Panther Nation members bemoaned the slashing of the team’s payroll prior to the 2010 season. Owner Jerry Richardson said the reason players like Jake Delhomme, Ma’ake Kemoeatu, and Damione Lewis were released was to free up money to sign the franchise’s younger core stars like Thomas Davis, DeAngelo Williams, and Jon Beason. It appears Charles Godfrey can now be added to that list.
Godfrey is a versatile defensive back who will see time at both safety and cornerback in 2011. He is known for his ball-hawking ability as he nabbed a career high five interceptions in 2010 which gives him a total of seven over his three year career.
The Panthers selected the 5’11, 205 pound former Iowa Hawkeye in the 3rd round (pick #67) of the 2008 draft. Draft analysts praised the selection because many felt like Godfrey had great NFL potential as a safety.