Mario Addison signs three-year extension with Carolina Panthers
By Dave Holcomb
The Carolina Panthers got a jump-start on free agency on Sunday with the re-signing of defensive end Mario Addison.
The Carolina Panthers re-signed defensive end Mario Addison to a three-year deal worth $22.5 million according to NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport. Prior to the deal, Addison was set to become an unrestricted free agent on March 9. His new contract will now keep him in Carolina through the 2019 season.
“Mario has shown he is one of the best emerging pass rushers in the league and he deserves this contract,” Panthers general manager Dave Gettleman said in a statement, via the Charlotte Observer. “He consistently affects the quarterback, and we envision an increased role for him in our defense.”
Addison had his best season as a pro in 2016, recording 22 solo tackles and 9.5 sacks. He also had two forced fumbles, a fumble recovery and a safety in 14 games that served as a career-year for Addison.
The defensive end, who will turn 30 in September, led the team in sacks despite playing just under 41 percent of the team’s defensive snaps. Addison started only one game, but he had at least three more sacks than starters, Kawann Short, Star Lotulelei, Kony Ealy and Charles Johnson.
Carolina didn’t have to break the bank to keep its 2016 sack leader either, so overall, this is a solid decision, but the question moving forward will be whether Addison can repeat his 2016 performance. He posted 12.5 sacks in the previous two seasons combined and had just 16 sacks through the first five seasons of his career before last year. So was this a breakout year signaling bigger numbers and a bigger role moving forward or was it a fluke in a contract year?
Next: Best QB/Head Coach Combos in NFL History
But in his defense, since joining Carolina on a full-time basis in 2013, Addison has found a home with the Panthers. The former undrafted free agent played for four teams in his first two seasons, including Carolina, but in his second chance with the team, he earned a roster spot and has steadily increased in importance.