He had his best pro season in 2008, rushing for a team-record 1,515 yards, 18 touchdowns and a 5.5-yard average. In 2009, he was sidelined for three games but still ran for 1,117 yards and seven touchdowns and made his only Pro Bowl appearance. Drafted 27th overall in the 2006 draft, the 28-year-old Williams holds the Panthers' franchise mark for career rushing yards (4,211) and rushing touchdowns (31). Former Jets tight end Ben Hartsock also reached a two-year deal with Carolina, a source told ESPN.com's John Clayton. Earlier in the offseason, the Panthers added former Saints tight end Jeremy Shockey Terms of Hartsock's deal were not available. Also, defensive tackle Ron Edwards reached agreement with the Panthers on an $8.25 million, three-year contract, a source told Schefter. Edwards, an unrestricted free agent, was recently with the Kansas City Chiefs. Only a day ago, the Panthers reached agreement with defensive end Charles Johnson on a six-year, $72 million deal that includes $30 million in guaranteed. The Panthers, because of the agreed-to stipulations of the labor settlement, do not have to give a record deal to No. 1 overall pick Cam Newton. Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.
