Dallas, Tampa Bay primetime hits?
The schedule is expected to be announced next week and it's a safe bet the Panthers will get several prime-time television games. The signing of Johnson might play into some scheduling.
"The Panthers already are a high-profile team after being to the Super Bowl a few years ago and getting to the NFC Championship Game," NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said Sunday. Adding Johnson "certainly isn't going to hurt that."
Other league officials indicated the schedule-makers are looking at meetings with Dallas and Tampa Bay as Sunday or Monday night games.
The game against the Cowboys will be in Charlotte and the Panthers will play NFC South rival Tampa Bay home and away.