Panthers, Thomas Davis working toward contract extension

An impressive nine-year career has seen Thomas Davis establish himself as one of the best players in Carolina Panthers franchise history thus far, and all signs now point to him finishing his career where it first started.

With Davis' contract set to void at the end of the upcoming season, he and the Panthers have begun discussions on a long-term deal.

"We're trying to get something worked out," Davis told Bill Voth of the Black and Blue Review. "It's a process, but I’m not stressing over it one bit. Really and truly, I just want to be here. I want to play football here. If I'm not playing here, I'm not playing football."

As Voth adds, Davis and the Panthers are fully expected to reach an agreement. Now 32 years old, such a deal would all but ensure that when Davis eventually wraps up his pro career, he does so only having played for one team.

Of course, Davis beat the odds in achieving the success he has, rebounding from three separate ACL tears suffered over the course of his career only to play at the same high level throughout.

Coming off three consecutive 100-tackle seasons, Davis not only provides the Panthers' defense with veteran experience and leadership, but also a proven play-making ability as an every-down linebacker.

With Davis lined up next to Luke Kuechly in the middle of the field long-term, the Panthers would continue to field one of the NFL's best linebacker groups for years to come.