The Carolina Panthers signed linebacker Thomas Davis to a two-year contract extension on Monday.
The 32-year-old linebacker was scheduled to make $7.25 million in 2015, the final season of his existing contract. The Charlotte Observer reported that he could earn up to $18 million with $10 million guaranteed in his new deal that will go through 2017.
"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.
Knee injuries limited Davis to just nine games from 2009-2011, but he has played in 46 in the three seasons since as a vital part of a solid defense.
Although he has never made a Pro Bowl, Davis has totaled over 100 tackles in each of his last three seasons and has 728 in 117 career regular-season games. He also owns 17 1/2 sacks with 13 forced fumbles and six interceptions.
"He's been a great part of our success and now he has the opportunity to retire as a Panther," said Carolina coach Ron Rivera. "He's a unique individual and there really is only one Thomas Davis."
Davis has played all 10 seasons in his career with the Panthers after they drafted him with the No. 14 pick in the 2005 NFL Draft from Georgia.
[SportsNetwork.com]
