DaytonDailyNews.com

More than anything else, Ryne Robinson feels relief. The Carolina Panthers hope he can provide some to their beleaguered return game.

The former Miami University standout removed some pre-training camp anxiety when he signed with the Carolina Panthers. The four-year contract is worth $2.103 million, he said.

"Oh, it's special," said Robinson, who received a $438,305 signing bonus. "I'm just glad I got it out of the way so I can concentrate on playing football and not have to worry about the formalities."

Robinson, a 5-foot-9, 179-pound wide receiver and return specialist, was selected by the Panthers in the fourth round (118th overall) of the NFL Draft.

The Toledo native is the RedHawks' all-time leader in receptions (258) and receiving yards (3,697).

As a senior, he led Miami with 91 receptions and 1,178 yards.

Robinson finished as the Mid-American Conference's career leader in punt return yardage (1,677) and touchdowns (seven). Carolina ranked last in the NFL in punt returns and kickoff returns last season.

Robinson, 22, wants to contribute on more than just special teams.

"I don't want to be a one-dimensional player," Robinson said. "(Teammate) Steve Smith had the same idea going on."

Smith (5-9, 185) was pegged as a return specialist coming out of college, but developed into one of the NFL's best receivers.

Robinson said he and fellow rookie Dwayne Jarrett, a second-round pick from USC, will get a chance to compete for playing time at wide receiver with the departure of veteran Keyshawn Johnson, who was released after the draft.

"I thought I was going to get to learn from Keyshawn. I don't wish what happened to him on anyone," Robinson said. "But it's kind of a blessing in disguise for Dwayne and I. And we still have Steve around, so that's good."

Robinson will be paid $285,000 this season, $370,000 in 2008, $460,000 in 2009 and $550,000 in 2010, he said.

"It's nice that I don't have to worry (about signing) any more," he said. "It's something that could be a distraction. Instead of worrying whether or not they're going to sign me, I can just go into camp and play football and worry about studying."

Robinson will report to training camp July 27 at Wofford College in Spartanburg, S.C.