The Carolina Panthers continue to mold their team heading into next season, this time inking linebacker Thomas Davis to a two-year deal worth about $17.75 million. The amount includes a $9 million signing bonus who according to the general manager Dave Gettleman remains an integral part of the team.
The #Panthers have signed LB @ThomasDavisSDTM to a two-year contract extension! #KeepPounding pic.twitter.com/syclYcXGjQ
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) June 15, 2015
The 32-year-old Davis has had his time with injuries, something which saw him undergo three ACL surgeries. Despite that tender setback, Davis has somehow found a way to evolve into one of the NFL’s premier linebackers and finally get the recognition he so truly deserves.
Along with middle linebacker Luke Kuechly, both form the backbone of the Panther’s defense which ranked second in 2013.
"Thomas has been and continues to be an integral part of our team on the field and off the field," general manager Dave Gettleman said in a statement. "His leadership is valuable and he is still playing at a high level. We're thrilled we could get this done. He's a lynchpin in our defense and we're excited that he's going to have the ability to retire as a Panther."
The latest deal with Davis follows up the prior transaction that saw the Panthers make Cam Newton one of the highest paid quarterbacks after agreeing to a $103.8 million five year extension.
The athlete was in the final year of his contract. Last season, Davis had 100 total tackles and 2.5 sacks.
Davis, who is now in his tenth season with the Panthers, is still the key player in the rotation despite the fact that the team took in another lineback in Shaq Thompson last April.
"The fact that they were willing to stick by me," Davis added, "that speaks volumes for this organization."
The linebacker is elated with his new deal, something which will most likely mean that he would be winding his career as a Panther.
"Signing this extension is something I've wanted to do all along, and it just confirms that I now get to officially end my career as a Carolina Panther, and that means the world to me," Davis said.
Davis was selected as the 14th pick overall in the 2005 NFL Draft and has spent his career entirely with the Carolina Panthers. He is the second leading tackler in franchise history (831) and has played a total of 117 regular season games, 99 which saw him as a starter.
With Davis and Newton secured, Gettleman is now expected to attend to another integral part of the team, Luke Kuechly.
Gettleman is expected to try and work out a long-term deal for the 2013 NFL Defensive Player of the Year and partner of Davis.
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