Center/guard Tyler Larsen has agreed to a two-year, $4.4MM extension with the Panthers, Jordan Rodrigue of the Charlotte Observer tweets. The deal, expected to be signed on Wednesday afternoon, includes $1.4MM guaranteed. 
Larsen, 27, is an important depth piece for the Panthers, particularly in the wake of Amini Silatolu‘s torn meniscus. Undrafted rookie Brendan Mahon may start at left guard in Silatolu’s absence, but Larsen is in line for increased reps no matter what due to his ability to play guard or fill in for Ryan Kalil at center. Kalil, meanwhile, says the 2018 season will be his last, so Larsen could be a low-cost option to start in 2019.
Larsen, a Utah State product, has appeared in 23 games for the Panthers over the last two years. He did an admirable job of filling in for Kalil last year and graded out as Pro Football Focus’ No. 17 ranked center in the NFL.