Panthers linebacker Thomas Davis, a restricted free agent, wants a long-term deal. But he realizes that the current labor climate makes that unlikely.
The fact that he’s still coming back from a torn ACL is a factor, too.
So Davis will wait. “I feel like it’s something that happens down the road,” Davis told Charles Chandler of the Charlotte Observer. “I’m definitely looking to finish my career here and [am] very excited about the possibility. I’ve just got to line up and play football and make this team want to sign me to a long-term deal.”
Toward that end, Davis showed up at the team’s weekend minicamp and practiced.
“I’ve been working hard; it’s been a grind, and it’s full-go right now,” Davis said over the weekend. “Well, not full-go, but I would say if the season started next week, I would probably go.”
Though the flesh may still be weak, it’s no surprise that the spirit is willing. The Panthers won’t even consider signing Davis to a long-term deal unless and until it’s clear that he can still play like he did before his ACL went snap, crackle, and/or pop.