The Carolina Panthers have confirmed that they have used the option to extend linebacker Luke Kuechly's contract until the end of the 2016 season.
The NFC South side selected the 24-year-old out of Boston College in the first round of the 2012 Draft, since when he has established himself as one of the most highly-rated players in the NFL, being voted the league's Defensive Player of the Year in the 2013 campaign.
Ron Rivera's men have moved to exercise the option to extend Kuechly's contract into the 2016 campaign at a price of $11.1m (£7.3m) due to the level of excellence he has shown on the field.
The 24-year-old has recorded 473 tackles, six sacks and seven interceptions in three seasons for the Panthers.
