Floyd Leaves 49ers For Panthers

San Francisco 49ers free agent fullback William Floyd signed a four-year contract with the Carolina Panthers on Friday worth $6.2 million, said Mike Sullivan, Floyd's agent.

The deal also includes a signing bonus of $1.6 million, Sullivan said.

Floyd, regarded by many NFL scouts as the top fullback available in free agency, will replace Scott Greene in the Panthers lineup.

With his blocking and receiving skills, Floyd is considered a perfect fit for the West Coast-style of offense that the Panthers are expected to use next season under new offensive coordinator Gil Haskell.

Floyd, 26, had major reconstructive surgery on his right knee two years ago. In addition to serving as the lead blocker for running back Garrison Hearst last season, Floyd caught 37 passes for 321 yards and rushed 78 times for 231 yards.

Floyd said he felt "truly blessed," not only for the new contract but for the chance to play after what many people thought would be a career-ending injury.

"If you had told me two years ago that I would be here, I wouldn't have believed it," he said. "I look forward to helping the Panthers try to win some championships."

The 49ers originally selected Floyd with the 28th pick in the first round of the 1994 draft. He turned pro following his junior season at Florida State.

The 6-foot-1, 230-pound Floyd becomes the sixth free agent from another team that the Panthers have signed this season, following Green Bay cornerback Doug Evans, San Francisco linebacker Kevin Greene, Buffalo offensive lineman Corbin Lacina, New Orleans special teamer Ernest Dixon, and Minnesota defensive back Leonard Wheeler.

"We're extremely excited about William joining the Panthers," Carolina coach Dom Capers said Friday night. "We've had firsthand experience playing against him and feel he is one of the top fullbacks in the National Football League. He is a physical player who has the ability not only to block but to run and catch the ball. In addition, we're impressed with the passion with which he plays."

The Panthers also have re-signed three of their own free agents -- wide receiver Mark Carrier, kick returner Michael Bates and offensive lineman Matt Campbell.

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