Carolina signs DE Wallace

[WebHamster]

Charlotte, NC (Sports Network) - The defending NFC champion Carolina Panthers remained busy Monday with the signing of defensive end Al Wallace to a contract extension.

The team also signed wide receiver Steve Smith Monday to a long-term deal to keep him in Carolina.

Wallace played in all 16 games for the Panthers in 2003, making a career-high 38 tackles to go along with his five sacks and two interceptions. He also contributed nine quarterback hurries and had a fumble recovery during Carolina's resurgence.

"Al's a perfect fit for the Panthers," said Carolina general manager Marty Hurney. "He wanted to be here, and we wanted to have him here. He is an important part of our defensive line, and we are thrilled to have him back to keep our defensive line intact."

The 29-year-old Wallace came to Carolina from Miami via a trade in 2002. The undrafted free agent out of Maryland spent his first three NFL seasons with Philadelphia.