While second-round draft choice Bruce Nelson officially became only the third rookie holdout in franchise history on Saturday morning, the Carolina Panthers did score an 11th-hour bargaining victory late Friday night, signing first-rounder Jordan Gross to his first professional contract.

The standout tackle from the University of Utah, and the first offensive lineman chosen in the 2003 draft, Gross signed a seven-year contract that could be worth as much as $38.5 million. The more accurate value of the contract is $15.5 million over five years, since the final two seasons of the deal will be voided if Gross simply achieves some minimum playing time levels.

The eighth player selected overall, Gross will receive $10.4 million total in signing and option bonuses. The contract also includes several escalators that could raise the base salaries beginning in the third year of the accord.

Gross, 23, is expected to start immediately at right tackle, and that prompted a sense of urgency on the part of both sides in the final-hour negotiations. The right tackle spot has been a problem area for the Panthers since the team released former starter Chris Terry last season after a series of off-field problems.

Although he started at left tackle in 2002, Gross has played right tackle in the past, and also played some at guard. More a technician than a masher, the Panthers nonetheless feel he can be a very solid strongside blocker. He appeared in 42 games in college and played 2,731 snaps, including more than 700 in each of his final three seasons.

According to the grading system used by the Utah staff, Gross recorded 341 "key blocks" and 36 blocks that resulted in touchdowns.

Gross plays with great balance and a wide base, has a good initial hand-punch, and comes off the ball hard on the snap. His trademark is consistency and he typically grades high in assignment recognition. Second-rounder Nelson, a center from Iowa, was expected to contribute as a rookie, but negotiations remain stalled and Carolina officials insisted they have made a viable offer that will not change.

Len Pasquarelli is a senior writer for ESPN.com.