Greg Olsen, Panthers agree to three-year extension

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Greg Olsen has been one of the NFL's most productive tight ends during his time in Carolina, and the Panthers have rewarded him.

The team announced Thursday that Olsen has signed a three-year contract extension, which will keep him in Charlotte through the 2018 season. The deal is worth $22.5 million and includes a $12 million signing bonus, according to CBS Sports.

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"It's really a dream come true," Olsen said. "Since we've come to Charlotte, we very quickly realized that this is home. This community quickly embraced our family, so we put down roots here. We love it here. This is home for us.

"Now to have this contract that guarantees that I'll play the rest of my career in Charlotte is a tremendous blessing. We're just so thankful for the team believing in me and wanting me to still be a part of this. As a team, we have a lot of special times ahead of us."

Olsen caught a career-best 80 receptions last year for 1,008 yards and six touchdowns, despite battling through an ankle injury. 

With rookie wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin emerging as a big-time target, and Cam Newton working on a contract extension of his own, the Panthers should boast a formidable offense for years to come.

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