Why Panthers Linebacker Luke Kuechly is Worth a Mega Deal
In a deal first reported by Rand Getlin of the NFL Network, the Carolina Panthers signed linebacker Luke Kuechly to a 5-year, $62-million contract extension Thursday. Kuechly was already owed $11 million in 2016, so he’s due an average of $12.16 million per season through 2021, making him the highest-paid inside linebacker in league history.
In his first three seasons, Kuechly:
- Racked up 473 tackles, the most in the NFL since 2012.
- Led the league in tackles twice. He finished fourth in 2013.
- Was named to Pro Bowl and All-Pro teams in 2013 and 2014.
- Finished with three of the top five single-season tackle totals in Panthers’ history, including a team record 205 as a rookie.
- Totaled 547 tackles, according to Panthers’ coaches. He needs just eight more to pass Mike Rucker for fifth-most in Panthers’ history.
- Was named the AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2013.
- Was named the AP Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2012.
- Became just the second player to win Defensive Player of the Year and Defensive Rookie of the Year in his first two seasons. Giants’ Hall of Fame linebacker Lawrence Taylor is the other.
- Played in 2,748 of a possible 2,811 snaps (97.8%) at middle linebacker.
- Helped the Panthers’ defense do this:
48 games with Kuechly
Total defense: 5th
Rushing defense: 7th
Passing defense: 7th
Previous 48 games without Kuechly
Total defense: 16th
Rushing defense: 22nd
Passing defense: 10th