LB Na’il Diggs to Remain a Panther Beyond 2010

Early Thursday morning it was reported by Darin Gantt of The Rock Hill Herald  that Panthers’ linebacker Na’il Diggs‘ contract had been restructured, and Diggs could finish his career in Carolina.

Diggs was set to make $2 million in 2010, which would have been the last year in his contract.

With the restructured contract, Diggs will take a paycut this year making $855,000, but four more years have been tacked onto the back side of that contract.

Chances are that the 31-year old linebacker won’t remain in Carolina for the full extent of the remaining contract, as it’s been a pattern for the Panthers to offer such an extension.

Defensive tackles Ma’ake Kemoeatu and Damione Lewis are under such a contract right now, which on paper has them in Carolina through 2014.

Third-year Linebacker Dan Connor is projected to be Diggs’ replacement when the time is right, but up to this point, he’s not been as reliable as Diggs has been.

Linebackers Thomas Davis and James Anderson are restricted free agents, so the Panthers are going with their elder linebacker who once again showed his reliability and durability in the regular season finale against the New Orleans Saints. Diggs is also a big contributor on special teams.