Panthers re-signed long snapper Jansen
--The Panthers had a lot of problems on special teams this year, but the snapping wasn't one of them.
Thus, they were eager to re-sign long snapper J.J. Jansen to a four-year contract extension the day after the Super Bowl.
The Panthers acquired Jansen in 2009 in a trade with the Packers (for a 2011 seventh-round pick). So far, it's proven a good investment. He had a clean 2011, and was set to be an unrestricted free agent.
In three seasons, he had one bad snap (on a punt against the New York Giants in the 2010 opener), giving them the kind of anonymous production you want from that position.
--The Panthers also re-signed linebacker Jason Phillips. He was claimed off waivers from Baltimore last September, and recorded three tackles in four games before ending the year on injured reserve with a calf injury.
Phillips was set to become a restricted free agent, and they think he can become a solid backup and special teams contributor.
--The moves left the Panthers with just 10 unrestricted free agents and one restricted free agent, and of that group, tight guard Geoff Schwartz was the only one penciled into the starting lineup in the preseason.
--Quarterback Cam Newton was a near-unanimous pick for the AP's offensive rookie of the year award. He got 47 of the 50 votes for the honor, with Cincinnati quarterback Andy Dalton getting the rest.
Newton also won The Sporting News and Pro Football Weekly's version of the award, in addition to making a trip to the Pro Bowl.
--The Panthers' first big change of the offseason was a subtle one. They changed their logo slightly, streamlining the design that marked them their first 17 seasons. While the new logo will change the look of their helmets, team officials said no major uniform changes were expected.
QUOTE TO NOTE
"No excuses. When you hang the ball up there, against these kinds of players, that's what you get. It's the good and the bad of playing in a Pro Bowl. I learned a lot." -- QB Cam Newton, on his two-touchdown, three-interception Pro Bowl appearance.
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