The Carolina Panthers have given coach John Fox a five-year contract extension as a reward for taking them deep into the playoffs in two of the last three seasons. Fox, who had two years left on his current contract, received a deal that runs through 2010 and will pay him close to $5 million a season. The Panthers announced the extension Monday at the NFL meetings.

The Carolina Panthers have signed free-agent wide receiver Keyshawn Johnson, the team announced on their website on Friday. Johnson was released last week by the Dallas Cowboys, who went on to sign free-agent receiver Terrell Owens. According to media reports, Johnson has agreed a deal worth $19 million over four years, including a $5 million signing bonus.

Receiver Keyshawn Johnson spent Wednesday visiting Carolina. He has told associates he might visit the Seahawks next. Seattle is seeking help at receiver after losing Joe Jurevicius in free agency.

DeShaun Foster agreed to a three-year, $14.5 million contract with the Carolina Panthers that finally makes him their star running back. Foster, who spent most of the last three seasons playing in the shadow of Stephen Davis, agreed to the deal late Friday night. The deal was completed about an hour before the start of free agency and removed the transition tag the Panthers had placed on Foster two weeks ago. "Bringing DeShaun back was always very important to us," Carolina general manager Marty Hurney said Saturday. "He's a playmaker, he is a guy that defenses have to account for, and he's our kind of person. There was no doubt we wanted him back."

After a trip to the NFC Championship game last season, the Carolina Panthers will try to take the next step without some familiar faces. The Panthers on Wednesday released running back Stephen Davis, defensive tackle Brentson Buckner, and kick returner Rod Smart to save money against the salary cap. "Each of these men played an important role in the success we have enjoyed here," Carolina coach John Fox said. "It is not easy saying good bye to them. They were productive players and their contributions played a major role in our going to the Super Bowl in 2003 and returning to the NFC Championship game last season." By releasing Davis, the Panthers saved $2.8 million against the cap for 2006.