Charles Johnson was one of the best bargains in free agency, turning down more money to re-sign with the Carolina Panthers on a one-year, $3 million deal.
Johnson recently told ESPN.com's David Newton that he nearly fired Drew Rosenhaus over the new contract because the agent was trying to "max out" with a different team.
"He was just shocked because you're leaving this money out on the table," Johnson said. "Like I told him, I just bet on myself."
Hampered by a serious hamstring injury, Johnson managed just one sack in nine games last season after averaging 10.5 over the previous five seasons. He knows he'll have to hold off competition for his job while auditioning for a bigger contract next offseason.
