SPARTANBURG, S.C. — The Carolina Panthers signed quarterback Jimmy Clausen to a four-year contract that includes $2.53 million in guarantees on Wednesday, ensuring they'll have no rookie holdouts for the start of training camp.
The second-round pick from Notre Dame agreed to his deal hours before the Panthers reported to Wofford College. He was the last of Carolina's 10 draft selections to be signed.
"With your draft picks, any day they miss it takes a week to catch up," coach John Fox said. "I think it's always important to have your draft picks signed. We've done pretty well with that over the years."
Agent Gary Wichard and the Panthers worked through the night to reach a deal, which was struck after a fourth-year escalator — a rarity for a second-round pick — was included that tops out at $2.85 million. The total package could be worth as much as $6.3 million.
The deal was reached in time for Clausen to report on time. He was spotted walking into the dormitory while looking at his phone late Wednesday morning. He didn't stop for reporters and the team didn't make him available after an afternoon team meeting.
JETS SIGN VETERAN QB BRUNELL: The New York Jets signed veteran quarterback Mark Brunell, who backed up Drew Brees last season for the Super Bowl champion New Orleans Saints, to a two-year contract Wednesday.
The move had been expected for several months as New York sought an experienced quarterback to serve as a backup to Mark Sanchez. The Jets couldn't sign Brunell until free agency restrictions were lifted last week on the final eight playoff teams.
He worked out for the Jets a few months ago and then a second time Wednesday, before they signed him later in the day.
Brunell, 39, played the last two years in New Orleans and the previous four with Washington after nine years with Jacksonville. The three-time Pro Bowl selection spent his first two years in the league as Brett Favre's backup in Green Bay.
The Jets had Kellen Clemens, Erik Ainge and Kevin O'Connell as backups last year, and at least one will likely be cut before training camp.
New York, which made it to the AFC championship game last season, was limited by the NFL's "Final Eight" and "Final Four" plans. Until last week, the Jets were not allowed to sign an unrestricted free agent until one of their own signed elsewhere. When kicker Jay Feely signed with Arizona in April, the Jets used that opportunity to bring in Jason Taylor.
Brunell reportedly filed for bankruptcy last month because of failed real estate deals and other investments. The Florida Times-Union recently reported that Brunell owes $24.7 million in debts.
He has thrown for 31,928 yards and 182 touchdowns in 18 NFL seasons. Brunell was the 1997 Pro Bowl MVP, and shares the NFL record for most consecutive completions in a single game with 22, set in 2006 with Washington.
GATES AGREES TO NEW DEAL WITH CHARGERS: Antonio Gates has agreed to a $36.175 million, five-year contract extension with the San Diego Chargers, making him the NFL's highest-paid tight end.
The contract guarantees the Pro Bowler $20.4 million, according to a person familiar with the deal, who spoke Wednesday on the condition of anonymity because the figures weren't released. The deal averages $7.235 million per season from 2011-15.
Gates blossomed from a rookie free agent to a superstar who is a three-time All-Pro and six-time Pro Bowler.