CHARLOTTE - Quarterback Will Grier and the Panthers' four draft picks that followed signed their rookie contracts Thursday in advance of this weekend's rookie minicamp at Bank of America Stadium.
Grier, a Charlotte native, was Carolina's third-round pick two weeks ago. Also signing on the dotted line were linebacker/defensive end Christian Miller (fourth round), running back Jordan Scarlett (fifth), offensive tackle Dennis Daley (sixth) and wide receiver Terry Godwin (seventh). The Panthers' top two picks - linebacker/defensive end Brian Burns and offensive tackle Greg Little - haven't yet signed but are set to participate in the minicamp.
Carolina's four undrafted rookies also signed their contracts: safety Corrion Ballard, running back Elijah Holyfield, wide receiver Damion Jeanpiere Jr. and linebacker Jordan Kunaszyk.
The signing process for drafted rookies has become close to a formality since a rookie wage scale was established by the Collective Bargaining Agreement in 2011, but signing on the dotted line remains a big moment for the players. It makes official the accomplishment of each player's NFL dream.
