The Panthers are expected to allow defensive tackle Star Lotulelei to play out the 2017 season before deciding whether to negotiate a long-term extension, reprots Joseph Person of the Charlotte Observer.
Lotulelei, 27, hasn’t been very effective over the past two campaigns, at least according to Pro Football Focus‘ grades — last year, Lotulelei ranked as just the No. 74 interior defender among 127 qualifiers. He’s been extremely durable, however, as he’s missed only four games during four NFL seasons (and played all 16 contests in 2016).
While Lotulelei is expected to return as a starter in 2017, his playing time could be reduced as 2016 first-round pick Vernon Butler sees more action. Lotulelei played on roughly two-thirds of Carolina’s defensive snaps last season, while Butler hovered around 20%. As Person details, Butler’s development will play a key role in how the Panthers move forward with Lotulelei.
A former first-round pick, Lotulelei is under contract in 2017 via the fifth-year option, which will pay him $6.757MM. The Panthers have already financially committed to fellow defensive tackle Kawann Short, who landed a five-year, $80.5MM extension in April, so it’s unclear if the club wants to commit even more cap space to the interior of its defensive line.