In a move that probably won't blindside anyone, the Charlotte Observer reports that the Panthers have begun talks on a contract extension with last years biggest free agent acquisition, LT Michael Oher. Oher is currently on the back end of a 2 year, $7m dollar deal, but certainly earned an extension with solid play last year.

“It would show that the organization believes in me. I still have to prove myself. I’m still just trying to prove myself to them and just make sure I’m one of these guys because they do it right.” --Michael Oher

Oher provided some much needed stability on the line after the retirement of Jordan Gross two years prior, and a failed season of Byron Bell "playing" left tackle very unsuccessfully. Oher only allowed four sacks the entire year, but could stand to improve his run blocking. He acknowledges that fact and is looking to his teammates for example and inspiration.

“That’s what I want to work on this year. Just watching guys on film like Ryan Kalil and Trai Turner, Andrew Norwell and Mike Remmers, they’re finishing past the whistle. I just want to copy those guys this year in the run game and finish like the other guys.”

Dave Gettleman was criticized for taking a chance on Oher, but stood by his own personal evaluations of the player and gave him the opportunity to earn it. Its a move we have seen time and time again during his reign as GM. He seems to have an uncanny eye for picking guys that fit a mold, and letting our coaching staff fine tune them and bring out their best abilities. Last year he hit big time on both Michael Oher and Kurt Coleman, and while this year there won't be many more new faces to talk about, we will surely be happy to not have to talk about how often Cam is getting sacked from the left side.