The Carolina Panthers are set to offer 2012 ninth overall pick middle linebacker Luke Kuechly a contract extension this year, according to ESPN.

Kuechly is currently entering the final year of his four-year, $12.5 million rookie deal with the Panthers, which would earn him $2.1 million next season. Carolina is exercising a fifth-year option in the 24-year-old's contract, but the team is said to be looking to give him a long-term deal before the new season starts in September.

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The 6-foot-3, 235-pound defender is considered by NFL analysts as one of the best inside linebackers in the league right now. His statistics has so far been nothing but impressive for head coach Ron Rivera's squad.

The former Boston College standout led the NFL in tackles during two of his three seasons with the team thus far, during his 2012 rookie year with 164 and last season with 153. He had been a two-time Pro Bowler was the AP NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2012, NFC Defensive Player of the Year in 2013, and AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2013. He was also named as a first-team All-Pro in 2013 and 2014.

These achievements at such as young career would definitely ensure a hefty and long-term compensation from the Panthers.

However, The Charlotte Observer indicated that Kuechly's upcoming contract will not be influenced by the recent six-year, $101 million mega-deal received by outside linebacker Justin Houston from the Kansas City Chiefs, but it would surely be the new benchmark for middle linebackers in the future.

Houston's compensation, an average of $16.8 million per year, is reportedly the richest contract for a linebacker in league history.

Meanwhile, 247 Sports' Cameron Osburn noted that Kuechly is one of the most irreplaceable players in the Panthers roster. He was even described by Osburn as someone who "bears the same burden on defense" as star quarterback Cam Newton does in offense.

At such a young age and career, the Evendale native had achieved so much for his team and is recently named as the 14th best player in the league. He makes the whole defense better, which in turn brings out the best from his teammates as well.

Kuechly's presence made Carolina's defense stay in the NFL's top 10 since his arrival. The dramatic increase in defensive ranking from 28th in 2011 to 10th in 2012 says it all about his value to the team.

TagsNFL, NFL 2015, NFL news, NFL News 2015, NFL rumors, NFL Rumors 2015, Luke Kuechly, Carolina Panthers