CHARLOTTE – Second-round pick Kony Ealy has become the fourth Panthers draft choice to sign his contract.
The former Missouri defensive end posted 9.5 sacks and 14.5 tackles for loss in 2013. The Panthers were pleasantly surprised the versatile lineman was still available when they went on the clock in round two.
"We had a first-round value on Kony Ealy. He's got a lot of potential," general manager Dave Gettleman said. "You cannot have too many pass rushers. You can't. It's impossible."
Ealy joins safety Tre Boston (fourth round), cornerback Bene Benwikere (fifth round) and running back Tyler Gaffney (sixth round) as draftees under contract.
