Panthers Sign Rookies Benjamin and Turner

Wednesday afternoon, the Panthers officially completed their draft pick signings when Carolina finalized deals with first round pick Kelvin Benjamin and third round selection Trai Turner. By reaching deals with Benjamin and Turner, the Panthers have reached an agreement with all six of their 2014 draft picks. The 28th pick of the May draft, Benjamin’s deal is for four years and is worth an estimated seven million dollars. Turner’s deal is also four years and is an estimated 2 million dollars.

After a successful junior season at Florida State which saw him catch the game clinching touchdown in the BCS National Championship game, Kelvin Benjamin has received strong praise early in camp. General Manager Dave Gettleman has even compared the 6-foot-5 receiver to the likes of former Pro Bowler Plaxico Burress. Benjamin is expected to compete for a role in the Panthers offense after the club decided not to bring the team’s leading wide receivers, Steve Smith and Brandon LaFell back in the offseason.

An offensive guard at LSU, Turner started 20 games in two seasons as a Tiger. A second team All SEC member in 2013, similar to Benjamin, Turner will look to have a prominent role in the Panthers offense as he and Chris Scott will battle for the starting right guard position