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          Panthers reach agreement to re-sign punter Baker

          • John Clayton, ESPN Senior WriterMar 28, 2006, 10:40 AM ET
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            • Senior NFL writer and commentator
            • Joined ESPN in 1995
            • Member of the writers' wing of the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio
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          The Panthers reached a two-year, $1.8 million agreement to re-sign punter Jason Baker. Included in the deal is a $400,000 signing bonus.

          Baker was considered a valued special team asset because he had a 43.3 yard average and an impressive 38.9 net average. Baker has a strong leg and also averaged 63 yards on kickoffs.

          The Ravens made a late effort to try to get Baker, but the Panthers stepped up their offer and got an agreement that will keep him a Panther for two seasons. The Panthers weren’t willing to pay him among the highest paid punters yet because 2005 was his first really good season.

          By doing a two-year deal, the Panthers can test out his consistency while giving Baker a chance to go for a bigger contract in 2008.

          John Clayton is a senior NFL writer for ESPN.com.