The Carolina Panthers protected running back DeShaun Foster from free agency Thursday by naming him their transition player. Foster is now guaranteed $5.13 million next season if he doesn't sign a long-term contract. Foster can still talk to other teams when the NFL's free agent period starts next Thursday, but the transition tag gives Carolina the right to match any offer. If the Panthers choose not to match any offer Foster might receive, they would not receive any compensation if Foster signed elsewhere.

DeShaun Foster has returned to North Carolina and he expects to sign a long-term contract with the Panthers. He has had the cast removed of his surgically repaired right ankle. That ankle was broken during the Panthers 2nd round playoff game at Chicago. "I still think we're going to get something done," DeShaun Foster said of a contract extension with the Panthers.

Shaun Alexander may have Carolina on his mind. Alexander, who sat out the Pro Bowl on Sunday because of a sprained right foot, said contract negotiations with the Seattle Seahawks will continue Monday. But the NFL's Most Valuable Player said he's open to playing elsewhere. "I never really thought up until I got out here that I could be on another team, but it was really neat to see me with Carolina guys and having fun like that," he said following the NFC's 23-17 victory over the AFC. "It was different, but it was definitely neat." Several NFC teammates spent the past few days, half jokingly wooing Alexander. He will become one of the league's most coveted free agents if he doesn't re-sign with the Seahawks before March 3. "Honestly, whatever happens, I'm going to be happy. I'm going to be satisfied," he said. "It is an exciting opportunity for me, having all these teams basically come at me and sign me. That's cool." The Panthers, who lost to the Seahawks in the NFC championship game, may have left the strongest impression.