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Carolina Panthers

Panthers WR Smith signs extension

By STEVE REED, AP Sports Writer

Apr 10, 2012

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The agent for Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith says the five-time Pro Bowler has agreed to a contract extension that will likely keep him with Carolina for the remainder of his career.

Derrick Fox confirmed Tuesday Smith's new contract runs through the 2015 season with a club option for 2016. Smith's contract was to expire after the 2012 season. More Info     More Panthers Stories

Fox did not disclose financial terms of the deal, but said Smith will sign the contract at a 3 p.m. press conference.

Fox says his client is "simply ecstatic about being able to finish his career in Carolina."

Smith, who turns 33 in May, has spent all 11 seasons with the Panthers. He was selected to his fifth Pro Bowl last season after catching 79 passes for 1,394 yards with seven touchdowns.

Smith ranks first in team history with 67 total touchdowns, 59 receiving touchdowns, 699 receptions, 10,278 receiving yards, 14.70 receiving average and 38 games with 100 or more receiving yards. He has made a catch in a team-record 75 consecutive games dating back to 2006.

In 2011, Smith became the 35th player in NFL history to reach 10,000 career receiving yards.