Mario Addison
Mario Addison will stay in Carolina after signing a new 3 year extension with the team. (Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports)

The Carolina Panthers have locked up a valuable pass rusher prior to the start of free agency. The team has announced that Mario Addison has been re-signed to a new 3-year contract.

 

“Mario has shown he is one of the best emerging pass rushers in the league and he deserves this contract,” general manager Dave Gettleman said in a statement. “He consistently affects the quarterback, and we envision an increased role for him in our defense. He’s a pro in the way he approaches the game and brings an upbeat attitude to our locker room. We’re thrilled he will continue his career with the Panthers.”

Carolina will now have to re-sign a couple more members of the defensive line including Kawaan Short and Charles Johnson.  Head coach Ron Rivera has reiterated the team plans to franchise tag Short.

Addison, 30, led the Panthers with 9.5 sacks in 2016. Pro Football Focus ranked Addison as the 16th best edge defender as well.