In January, Panthers linebacker Thomas Davis indicated that 2018 would probably be his final year in the league. Now, it sounds like the veteran wants to continue his career into 2019, as Joseph Person of the Charlotte Observer writes. 
It’s possible that Davis has had a change of heart after learning that he would be suspended for the first four games of the 2018 season. What would have been a 16-game regular season swan song has now been reduced to 12 games, and Davis is probably looking to leave the game on a high note. Davis has denied taking performance-enhancing substances and told fans that he is “not a cheater.”
Davis has just one year to go on his deal, so he’ll need a new deal or an extension in order to stay on board. When asked whether he has discussed an extension with new owner David Tepper or GM Marty Hurney, Davis said, “We haven’t had those conversations.”
The Panthers value Davis, but they also have a younger linebacker in Shaq Thompson that has flashed serious potential at times. If Thompson excels during Davis’ four-game ban, the Panthers could opt to move on from the 35-year-old.
Despite his age, Davis continues to play at a high level. Last year, he earned his third straight Pro Bowl berth and finished second on the team with 88 tackles. He also stands as the franchise’s all-time leading tackler.