CHARLOTTE -- The Carolina Panthers have agreed to terms on a four-year, $4.25 million contract with third-round draft selection Armanti Edwards from Appalachian State, according to league sources.
   Once Edwards signs the contract the Panthers will have just two draft picks to sign -- quarterback Jimmy Clausen and third-round pick Brandon LaFell. Edwards' deal will include a signing bonus of slightly more than $710,000, according to sources. He'll make league minimum base salaries of $320,000 (2010), $405,000 (2011), $490,000 (2012) and $575,000 (2013).

   The Panthers have big expectations for Edwards.
   They traded away a second-round pick in next year's draft to get him with the 89th pick overall. The Panthers made that controversial move despite the fact Edwards has never played wide receiver or returner at the college level -- two things the Panthers hope he can excel at in the NFL. However, so far he's looked the part of an NFL player, showing great skills during the team's rookie minicamp and OTAs.
   Edwards played quarterback at Appalachian State and led the Mountaineers to two national titles and twice won the Walter Payton Award given to the nation's top player at that level.