Panthers Sign First-Round Pick WR Kelvin Benjamin

The Carolina Panthers announced the signing of first-round pick WR Kelvin Benjamin Wednesday.

 

#Panthers first-round wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin has signed his rookie contract. pic.twitter.com/DZ0okUjWyt

— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) June 4, 2014

Carolina has now signed all of their six 2014 NFL draft picks.

Benjamin’s four-year contract is worth an estimated $7,664,250 and includes a signing bonus of $3,894,000 according to OverTheCap.com.

Benjamin will be counted on to play a major role in the offense right away.  The Panthers receiving corps has been pieced together this offseason, and outside of Benjamin, Jason Avant and Jerricho Cotchery are the players with the best chance at earning a starting job.

Carolina surprised some by selecting Benjamin before other receivers such as Marqise Lee and Jordan Matthews, as questions exist regarding his top-end speed and ability to separate from press coverage.

Benjamin is a big target however, with an exceptional catching radius that should make him one of QB Cam Newton‘s favorite targets.

Benjamin caught 54 balls for 1,011 yards- good for 18.7 yards per reception -with 15 touchdowns in his final season at Florida State University.