Before his stunning firing as Carolina’s general manager on Monday, Dave Gettleman reportedly wasn’t in any hurry to sign Panthers linebacker Thomas Davis or tight end Greg Olsen to contract extensions. However, speaking with Kelsey Riggs of WCNC on Tuesday, Davis revealed that he and the Gettleman-led Panthers did discuss a new deal.
“We had actually engaged in contract talks. They presented something and we presented something back and we were just in the process of negotiating,” said Davis, who added that it’s “really sad and disappointing” and “unfair” that the contract situations of him and Olsen have been partly attributed to Gettleman’s ouster.
Talks with Gettleman “were going well,” according to Davis, who’s “thankful that the organization is willing to do it.” Given that the organization is led by owner Jerry Richardson, who reportedly counts Davis among his favorite players, odds of an extension seem high.
Despite Davis’ advanced age, the 34-year-old presented a compelling argument for a new contract last season, his 11th as a Panther, when he secured his second Pro Bowl nod. That honor came after Davis logged his fifth 16-start campaign, led Panthers defenders in snaps (1,009) and totaled 106 tackles, three interceptions, two fumble recoveries and a touchdown.
While Thomas’ rating at Pro Football Focus was less impressive than his traditional numbers – the outlet ranked his performance a middling 43rd among 88 qualified linebackers – it’s clear he has established himself as both a dependable player and a heart-and-soul member of the franchise. Beyond that, there could be further incentive for the Panthers to extend Davis. By locking him up past 2017, they’d perhaps reduce his current cap hit ($8.25MM).