In what had become not much more than a formality, the Carolina Panthers picked up linebacker Luke Kuechly’s fifth-year option on Saturday.Speaking to reporters at last month’s league meetings, general manager Dave Gettleman said he’d “have to be brain dead not to” extend Kuechly by the May 3 deadline. In his first three seasons, Kuechly led the league in tackles twice while also earning Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2012 and Defensive Player of the Year a season later.The fifth-year option puts the ninth overall pick in 2012 under contract through 2016.Players drafted in the top 10 are guaranteed a salary equal to the transition-tag figure at their position. For linebackers, that number is $11.1 million, which would be a nice raise for Kuechly, who will make $4 million in 2015. But in the meantime, he and the Panthers can continue working on a long-term deal.When Kuechly’s teammates returned for the start of the offseason program Monday, the newly turned 24-year-old was in his glory. And not surprisingly, he couldn’t have cared less when asked about his contract.“I’m honestly not worried about it. I’m excited to be here. I think you guys know that by now. That stuff will take care of itself,” Kuechly said. “I’m just here to run around and play football.”