Panthers exercise fifth-year option on DT Star Lotulelei

Star Lotulelei is expected to earn $6 million in 2017.

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The Carolina Panthers have exercised their fifth-year option on defensive tackle Star Lotulelei, the team announced.

Lotulelei finished last season with 25 tackles, one sack and one fumble recovery in his 14 starts for Carolina.

He is expected to earn $6 million in 2017 under the option. The team may now shift its focus to locking up fellow defensive tackle​ Kawann Short.

• KAPLAN: The naming of a Star: The origin of Lotulelei’s name

In his three years in the league, Lotulelei has recorded 66 tackles and six sacks after being drafted out of Utah.