he Carolina Panthers and offensive tackle Taylor Moton agreed to a mammoth four-year, $72 million extension that includes $43 million guaranteed at signing, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter on Thursday. The blockbuster deal, announced by the team only as a multiyear extension, beats Thursday's 4 p.m. ET deadline for franchise players to sign extensions. Moton became the fourth of the 10 players to receive the franchise tag this year to reach a long-term contract, joining Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott, New York Giants defensive lineman Leonard Williams and Denver Broncos safety Justin Simmons. ADVERTISEMENT The others -- Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin, Chicago Bears wide receiver Allen Robinson, New Orleans Saints safety Marcus Williams, New York Jets Marcus Maye, Jacksonville Jaguars offensive tackle Cam Robinson and Washington Football Team guard Brandon Scherff -- will play the 2021 season on their franchise tender. Moton, 26, became the starting right tackle in 2018 and has started every game for Carolina over the past three seasons. EDITOR'S PICKS Why tight end could be the 'most important position' in lifting Panthers' offense 8dDavid Newton His new deal -- at an average of $18 million per season -- ties him with Philadelphia's Lane Johnson for second among NFL right tackles and sixth overall among all offensive tackles. "He's an excellent player," coach Matt Rhule said late last season. "He's an excellent professional. He's an even better person. When we talk about the brand, he's all of that.'' Moton took some snaps at left tackle during offseason workouts, mostly due to injuries that limited Cameron Erving and Trent Scott. Erving, signed to a two-year, $10 million deal in free agency, is the front-runner for the left tackle job. "It's an honor to continue the journey with you brother! Well deserved!" running back Christian McCaffrey posted to Instagram. The Panthers selected 6-foot-5, 325-pound Moton in the second round of the 2017 draft out of Western Michigan.

• published: 16 Jul 2021
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