Report: Luke Kuechly, Panthers Agree On Richest Linebacker Contract Ever

Luke Kuechly has been one of the NFL’s best defensive players since entering the league in 2012. Now he’s being rewarded for his efforts.

Kuechly and the Carolina Panthers on Thursday agreed to terms on a five-year, $62 million contract extension, sources told NFL Media’s Rand Getlin — the richest deal ever for an inside linebacker.

The 24-year-old former Boston College standout made an immediate impact after the Panthers drafted him ninth overall three years ago. Kuechly was the NFL’s Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2012, its Defensive Player of the Year one season later and a first-team All-Pro in both 2013 and 2014. His 473 tackles over that three-year span led the league.

Some more examples of Kuechly’s dominance, courtesy of Getlin:

Kuechly has made two Pro Bowls, and has the most tackles of any player over his first three seasons since 1994.

— Rand Getlin (@RandGetlin) September 10, 2015

Kuechly is also one of only 3 players to win Defensive Player of the Year within his first 2 NFL seasons. Great day for him & the #Panthers.

— Rand Getlin (@RandGetlin) September 10, 2015