The Panthers exercised the fifth-year option on Lotulelei's rookie contract.
The Panthers exercised the fifth-year option on Lotulelei's rookie contract.
Analysis:
Selected 14th overall in the 2013 NFL Draft, Lotulelei has just six sacks in 44 games but has been consistently excellent against the run. Carolina's recent decision to rescind Josh Norman's franchise tag may have partially been due to the team's desire to save cap room for long-term extensions for Lotulelei and fellow defensive tackle Kawann Short.