Panthers sign Thomas Davis to two-year extension

The Carolina Panthers and outside linebacker Thomas Davis have agreed to a two-year extension, making his current deal three years and $18 million in total, according to The Charlotte Observer. Davis has been a remarkable story throughout his career, coming back from three torn ACLs to be the 2015 NFL Man of the Year.

"“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 released by the team. “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.”"

Davis has become one of the best players in the NFL at any position over the last few seasons. In 2012, Davis recorded 105 tackles after enduring two injury-shortened campaigns. The following year, Davis burst onto the scene with 123 tackles and four sacks before amassing 100 tackles and 2.5 sacks last season. Along with middle linebacker Luke Kuechly, the Panthers have one of the elite linebacking corps in the league.

Davis, 32, is entering his 11th season in the league, all with Carolina. The Panthers are two-time defending NFC South champions, but have yet to reach the Super Bowl with Davis on the roster. Incredibly, Davis is yet to reach the Pro Bowl because he plays the same position as 3-4 outside linebackers, who rack up sacks and leave Davis to go relatively unnoticed.

Davis is also one of the best men in the game today. Davis is involved in numerous charities including his own, the Thomas Davis Defending Dreams Foundation. During his acceptance speech of the prestigious Man of the Year award, Davis implored other active players to step up. Watch the video below:

Carolina has been very busy this offseason, first signing quarterback Cam Newton to an extension in excess of $100 million, then keeping Davis perhaps for the duration of his career.