CHARLOTTE - Carolina has signed nine more players to "future" contracts for the 2015 season.
All nine ended the 2014 season on the team's practice squad. They are guard Derek Dennis, tight end Kevin Greene, wide receiver Marcus Lucas, safety Kimario McFadden, linebacker Horace Miller, running back Darrin Reaves, defensive tackle Micanor Regis, tackle Martin Wallace and cornerback Lou Young.
The nine signings are in addition to two previously announced future signings – guard Tyronne Green and tight end Mike McNeill.
The contracts are referred to as "future" contracts because even though the players have signed, they do not officially become members of the roster until the beginning of the new league year – March 10.
Future contracts essentially allow teams to sign players for the upcoming season even though the new season has not begun yet. Only players who are not on an NFL team's 53-man active roster at the conclusion of the regular season are eligible for these contracts.
EALY HONORED: Defensive end Kony Ealy was one of four defensive linemen named All-Rookie by the Professional Football Writers of America. Ealy recorded four sacks and a forced fumble in a reserve role, including one sack in each of the Panthers' final three regular season games.
"Kony Ealy came a long way," general manager Dave Gettleman said. "Early on it was difficult for him, but he closed strong and we are certainly excited about him."
