Michael Oher has gone from unwanted to locked down in one season.
The left tackle signed a three-year extension with the Carolina Panthers worth $21.6 million in new money, averaging $7.2 million per year and $9.5 million in guarantees, NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported Friday.
The team later confirmed the extension.
Oher signed a two-year, $7 million contract with the Panthers last season after being waived by the Tennessee Titans following one disappointing year. When it appeared his career was spiraling quickly toward its end, Oher bounced back.
The 30-year-old blocker was solid last year for Carolina. Playing in the Panthers' scheme-friendly system benefited Oher. Not only is Carolina's run game diverse, Cam Newton owns the ability to keep pass rushers at bay with his size and threat to run. The Panthers also rarely ask Oher to sit on an island against edge rushers during a plethora of seven-step drops.
Oher's extension comes 11 days after the Panthers signed center Ryan Kalil to a two-year, $16.75 million deal. Despite the offensive line's poor play in Super Bowl 50, general manager Dave Gettleman is ensuring continuity remains in front of Newton as the Panthers seek their fourth straight NFC South title.
Oher became famous thanks to the movie and book The Blind Side, which chronicled his life from childhood to the NFL. After another brief tilt with adversity, Oher proved he could persevere once again. The Panthers wanted to make sure his story continued in Carolina, at least a couple more seasons.
UPDATE: It didn't take long for news of Oher's deal to reach his fellow linemen.
