Carolina Panthers re-sign kicker Zane Gonzalez ahead of NFL free agency
The Panthers are bringing back a key special teams player ahead of NFL free agency set to begin in a few weeks.
Carolina announced Wednesday morning that it has re-signed kicker Zane Gonzalez to a two-year contract extension. Gonzalez was set to become an unrestricted free agent and was eligible to sign with any team when the new league year begins March 16.
It’s a two-year deal worth $4.5 million according to a source with direct knowledge of the situation.
The Panthers were determined to retain Gonzalez, who was a bright spot for their special teams last year. He hit 17-straight field goals before a pre-game injury suffered at Buffalo landed him on injured reserve. His 57-yard field goal against Atlanta this season was the second-longest in franchise history. Gonzalez also won NFC special teams player of the week honors in Weeks 8 and 10.
General manager Scott Fitterer restructured the contracts of Taylor Moton and Shaq Thompson to make cap space available for Gonzalez.
Gonzalez joins Ian Thomas, Frankie Luvu and J.J. Jansen as early free-agent additions. The Panthers still have 18 unrestricted free agents, including outside linebacker Haason Reddick and cornerbacks Donte Jackson and Stephon Gilmore.
This story was originally published March 9, 2022 at 9:34 AM.
