Stewart extends Panthers deal through 2018
Jonathan Stewart has another year in which to break the Carolina Panthers' all-time rushing record after he agreed a contract extension.
The Panthers announced on Friday that the nine-year NFL veteran had signed a one-year extension to remain with Carolina through 2018.
Stewart is the second-leading rusher in Panthers history with 6,638 yards, trailing former teammate DeAngelo Williams by just 208 yards. His history with Carolina made extending his stay an easy decision.
"It means a lot. This is a special place," Stewart said in an interview with the team's website. "The fans and the organisation, they've always been good to me. We're all here to win the ultimate prize. I'm just glad to be here."
The time is #now ... I'm excited to continue my years of commitmen to panther nation! #PanthersNation #neversettle
— Jonathan Stewart (@Jonathanstewar1) March 24, 2017
The 30-year old is coming off a season in which he rushed for 824 yards in 13 games, all starts, and scored nine touchdowns.
Stewart has not played in all 16 games in any of the last five seasons, but has rushed for more than 800 yards and over four yards per carry in each of the last three.
The Panthers are coming off a 6-10 season in which they finished last in the NFC South having reached the Super Bowl in the previous campaign.