The Carolina Panthers have exercised the fifth-year option on defensive tackle Star Lotulelei’s contract, the team announced Tuesday.
In 2015, Lotulelei started 14 games, posting 25 tackles, one sack, five quarterback pressures, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery and one pass defensed. Lotulelei contributed to a unit that ranked sixth in the NFL in total defense and scoring defense, and fourth against the rush.
In three seasons, Lotulelei has started 43 of 44 regular season games played, recording 99 tackles, six sacks, 23 quarterback pressures, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery and two passes defensed. Carolina has fielded a top-10 defensive in each of his three seasons.
Lotulelei earned All-Rookie honors in 2013 after being selected in the first-round (14th overall) of the NFL Draft by Carolina.
