Comments that Rams wide receiver Torry Holt made last month about wanting to finish his career with the Panthers drew increased scrutiny at this weekend’s Rams minicamp.

Holt grew up in North Carolina, went to college at North Carolina State, and described himself as “jealous” when his younger brother, safety Terrence Holt, signed with the Panthers.

“I wanted to send in my resignation to the Rams and see if I could join him,” Torry Holt said last month about his brother playing for Carolina. “I’m excited, but I’m also a little jealous because I’ve always wanted an opportunity to come back home.”

The Rams had a minicamp over the weekend, and Holt was asked to elaborate. And rather than back down or claim his words were taken out of context, Holt simply explained how he feels: He’ll play out his current contract with the Rams, but once that expires, he’d love to finish his career close to home.

“The real story is that I have this year and next year and hopefully I can finish those years out,” Holt said. “Then I will see where I am at. I will see where I am at physically and emotionally and financially. Then, if they would like to do something here I will consider it. If not, then I will have the option to go and explore and give my services somewhere else. If that happens, Carolina will definitely be my first choice. There is no question about it. I have 2008 and 2009 left to play and that is what I plan on doing.”

Holt won’t be free to play for another team until 2010, when he’s 34 years old. So this is very premature. But his feelings are clear: He’d like to finish his career as a Panther.