Panthers LB Davis gets extension

Aug 15, 2017 - 9:54 PM The Carolina Panthers signed veteran linebacker Thomas Davis to a one-year contract extension, the team announced Tuesday.

The deal for Davis, a first-round draft pick of the Panthers in 2006, runs through the 2018 season. The Charlotte Observer, citing a source, said the one-year is worth $6.75 million, with $3 million of it guaranteed over the next two seasons.

"I'm extremely excited. Everybody knows how I feel about being a Carolina Panther," Davis said. "This extension solidifies me being here for the rest of my career, and I'm excited about that. Now it's totally focused on winning a Super Bowl."

Davis, 34, registered a team-high 132 tackles in 2016 and became the franchise's all-time leader in that category with 1,086 tackles while earning his second straight Pro Bowl appearance.

After he was limited to nine games over a three-year span (2009-11), Davis returned from a third torn ACL in the same knee to register more than 100 tackles in each of the past five seasons. He's also had 10 interceptions in that span.

"Thomas is still playing fast and at a high-level, and the intensity and passion that he brings to the game is unmatched," linebackers coach Al Holcomb said. "He is the ultimate leader, and to continue to have a player and a man of his magnitude on our team is extremely important. I'm excited for Thomas, his family and our organization."

Davis was named the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year in 2014, presented to the player in recognition of his off-the-field community service as well as his playing excellence.