Carolina Panthers sign Luke Kuechly to five-year deal

The Carolina Panthers have signed Luke Kuechly to a five-year, $62m (£40m) contract extension.

Ron Rivera's team decided to get a deal done with the highly-regarded linebacker before the start of the new season.

The 24-year-old has been selected to two Pro Bowls, has made two NFL All-Pro teams and won the AP's NFL Defensive Player of the Year award in 2013.

Kuechly will now focus on the opening fixture for the Carolina Panthers, as they head to Florida to take on the Jacksonville Jaguars.