Panthers sign running back Reggie Bonnafon to one-year extension; DE Wes Horton retires
The Panthers are continuing to make offseason moves.
After releasing long-time Panthers tight end Greg Olsen on Monday, the team announced Tuesday it had signed running back Reggie Bonnafon to a one-year contract extension. Bonnafon was set to become an exclusive rights free agent, meaning he would either accept a new contract from the Panthers or not be offered one and become a free agent.
Despite playing the important role of Christian McCaffrey’s backup this season, Bonnafon rarely saw the field in 2019. He was signed as an undrafted free agent in 2018 and spent his rookie season on the team’s practice squad. In 2019, Bonnafon took advantage of his opportunities, finishing with 16 rushes for 116 yards and a touchdown. His big game came in Week 5 against Jacksonville when he rushed for 80 yards, including a 59-yard touchdown, on five carries.
Bonnafon played quarterback, wide receiver and running back during his time at Louisville. He was the Cardinals’ quarterback his freshman year, the same year his father, Wallace, passed away. He was then supplanted by Lamar Jackson at quarterback the next year. Because he has experience at so many positions, it will be interesting to see how he fits into Joe Brady’s new offense and if he will see more playing time behind McCaffrey.
Wes Horton announces retirement
Panthers defensive end Wes Horton announced his retirement Tuesday in a post on his Instagram.
Horton was set to become a free agent this offseason. He wrote that he has decided to retire because of his health and to take a position coaching defensive line at his high school, Notre Dame, in Sherman Oaks, Calif.
“The little injuries I’ve accumulated over the years have finally caught up to me and when weighing the risk, I’d rather preserve what’s left of my body,” Horton wrote in his post.
Horton was originally signed by the Panthers as an undrafted free agent in 2013 out of USC. He then spent six seasons with the Panthers (2013-18) before signing with the Saints last offseason. He didn’t play for New Orleans, and was re-signed by Carolina in Week 10 of 2019.
He finished his career with 15.5 sacks, seven forced fumbles, 97 tackles and 24 quarterback hits.
This story was originally published February 4, 2020 at 4:47 PM.
