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.