Panthers ‘absolutely want to keep’ WR DJ Moore with contract extension

There are a handful of reporters to make sure to listen to when they tell you about the Carolina Panthers. One of those, undoubtedly, is the “O.G.” Darin Gantt.

Gantt has been a staple of Carolina sports media for over two decades, dating back to his work at The Charlotte Observer and The Herald. Currently posted up with the team itself for its official website, the “old guy” is still slinging and still answering your questions, one of which was on the future of wideout DJ Moore.

Moore, who is set to be an unrestricted free agent following the 2022 campaign, may be next in line for a contract extension, following in the steps of right tackle Taylor Moton and fellow receiver Robby Anderson. Gantt, in his regular mailbag feature, seems quite certain of the franchise’s intentions.

“So the short answer is, ‘yes,’” wrote Gantt when asked if Carolina wants to extend Moore. “The longer answer is, ‘Oh my god, yes.’”

“And make no mistake, even after signing Anderson to a two-year extension which keeps him here through the 2023 season, and even after drafting the promising [Terrace] Marshall and Shi Smith, they absolutely want to keep Moore beyond his current deal,” he added.

Locking in that duo would help solidify the team’s offense as one of the more potent aerial attacks in the league for years to come, especially with Marshall, Smith and running back Christian McCaffrey in the fold. A new deal would also help solidify a culture owner David Tepper, general manager Scott Fitterer and head coach Matt Rhule are looking to promote.

“Moore’s 24 and an emerging star in an offense that needs one, and home-grown guys also tend to get a bit of a bump from their own teams,” Gantt writes. “It’s good business to keep your own, if only to show other guys that you will. That encourages work, and that’s the point here.”

If Moore does indeed reel himself in an extension, it’ll be one that’s well-earned. He’s totaled 3,156 receiving yards over his first three seasons and is only one of two players, along with Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, to amass 1,175 receiving yards in each of the last two years.