CHARLOTTE, N.C., June 24 (UPI) -- Veteran defensive tackle Brentson Buckner of the Carolina Panthers has inked a four-year contract extension.
Buckner will be entering his 10th pro campaign this fall. He was a mainstay on the Panthers' defensive line last season. He helped Carolina compile 39 sacks.
Buckner, 31, finished the 2002 campaign with 47 tackles, 18 quarterback hurries and five sacks in 12 starts.
"Brentson has developed as a leader along our defensive line, and the extension helps bring continuity to an area that has been most productive," said General Manager Marty Hurney. "He has a high energy level and takes a lot of pride in the success of the defense."
Buckner, who played collegiately at Clemson, originally was a second-round draft choice by Pittsburgh in 1994. He played three seasons with the Steelers from 1994-96, one with Cincinnati in 1997, and three with San Francisco from 1998-2000 before signing with the Panthers in 2001.
