Charles Johnson shopped around only to decide Carolina was still the right place for him.
The 29-year-old visited the New York Giants and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Giants reportedly offered him $6 million for the 2016 season.
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Carolina Panthers linebacker Thomas Davis lifts the NFC championship trophy as he and defensive end Charles Johnson, left, celebrate after the Panthers defeat the Arizona Cardinals 49-15 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina on January 24, 2016. Photo by Brian Westerholt/UPI | License Photo
But Johnson accepted a one-year, $3 million deal to return to the Carolina Panthers only a week after being released. Johnson was owed $11 million for 2016 but was released in a salary-cap saving move.
Johnson turns 30 before the start of the 2016 season.
In his nine NFL seasons all with Carolina, Johnson had 63.5 sacks but just recorded just 1.0 in nine games in 2015. He was limited by a hamstring injury but was healthy and had three sacks in the playoffs.
He signed a six-year, $72 million deal in July 2011, including a $30 million signing bonus. The Atlanta Falcons and Denver Broncos also made bids for Johnson in 2011.
The Hawkinsville, Ga., native said at the time that he eschewed family opinion to stay in Carolina and has again committed to the Panthers.
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