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CHARLOTTE – Panthers long snapper J.J. Jansen, who played error-free football this past season in his specialized role, has been rewarded with a four-year contract.

Jansen could have become an unrestricted free agent when the league year ends March 13.

When Jansen had a punt snap slip out of his hands in the 2010 season opener at the New York Giants, he commented that he hoped there wouldn't be much to write about him from there forward. That has proven to be the case – an ideal situation for a long snapper.

In three seasons with the Panthers, Jansen has handled snapping duties on more than 400 punts, field goals and extra points, and that's the only one that resulted in any issues of note. Jansen has handled every long snap since the Panthers traded a conditional draft choice to the Green Bay Packers for him in 2009.

Jansen is the second potential free agent the Panthers have re-signed prior to the start of free agency. Linebacker Jason Phillips, who could have become a restricted free agent, recently signed a one-year contract. Claimed off waivers from the Baltimore Ravens in September, Phillips played in four games and notched three tackles before being placed on injured reserve with a calf injury.