Panthers Interested In Signing OT Michael Oher To Extension

Jonathan Jones of the Charlotte Observer reports that the Panthers are interested in signing OT Michael Oher to a contract extension.

“It would show that the organization believes in me,” Oher said. “I still have to prove myself. I’m still just trying to prove myself to them and just make sure I’m one of these guys because they do it right.”

This isn’t the first we’ve heard about a potential extension for Oher. Yesterday, David Newton of ESPN wrote that it would not be surprising to see Carolina sign Oher get an extension in place at some point.

Oher made it clear that he wants to be a member of the team going forward.

“I want to be here,” Oher said. “Love the organization. It’s such a great organization. You wish you could be a part of this type stuff your whole career.

“You want to be a part of this type of team, the coaches. Great coaches,” Oher said. “They help the players, because they know everything. I believe in great coaches, and you want to be a part of it.”

Newton believes Oher would likely come at a bargain rate, considering that the top left tackles in the league make between $12 million and $16.25 million per year.

Oher, 30, is a former first-round pick of the Ravens back in 2009. He spent five years in Baltimore before signing on with the Titans in 2014.

After one season in Tennessee, the Panthers two-year, $7 million contract and he stands to make a base salary of $2.35 million for the 2016 season.

In 2015, Oher appeared in all 16 games for the Panthers and was rated by Pro Football Focus as the No. 30 offensive tackle out of 77 qualifying players.