Jonathan Jones of the Charlotte Observer, citing a league source, reports that contract talks between the Panthers and MLB Luke Kuechly are “heating up.”
However, Jones’ source added that no deal between the two parties is imminent at this point in time.
According to Jones, there was some concern that a deal may not get done before the start of the regular season, but talks have reportedly become more serious in recent days.
Kuechly, 24, already has a Defensive Player of the Year award and is clearly in the discussion for being the best inside linebacker in the league.
He is entering the final year of his four-year, $12.58 million rookie contract and stands to make a base salary of $2,105,265 for the 2015 season.
The Panthers elected to pick up his fifth-year option, which will run them $11.1 million fully guaranteed for the 2016 season, so they still have time to address his contract before he’s in position to test the open market.
In 2014, Kuechly recorded 153 tackles, three sacks, one interception, a forced fumble, a recovery and 11 pass defenses for the Panthers. Pro Football Focus has him rated as the N0. 1 inside linebacker out of 60 qualifying players.
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