Steve Smith extends Panthers stay..(NFL)

Wide receiver Steve Smith has agreed a three-year contract extension with the Carolina Panthers.


Smith, who turns 33 in May, has played all 11 of his professional
seasons in Carolina and last year became the 35th NFL player to reach
10,000 receiving yards.

As part of a free-scoring offence under rookie quarterback Cam
Newton, Smith made 79 catches for 1,394 yards - the fifth most in the
league - and earned his fifth Pro Bowl selection.

"The Panthers wanted to try to lock him down for the future and Steve
is simply ecstatic about being able to finish his career in Carolina,"
Smith's agent Derrick Fox said.

"He loves playing for coach Ron Rivera is excited about the things to
come in Carolina. A lot of L.A. guys want to get back to the West
Coast, but Steve and his family love living in Charlotte."