Panthers re-sign K Graham Gano to 4-year deal

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) The Carolina Panthers say they have re-signed kicker Graham Gano to a four-year contract.

Gano was set to become an unrestricted free agent. Financial terms were not released Friday.

The 26-year-old Gano joined the Panthers last season and converted 24 of 27 field goal attempts in helping Carolina win the NFC South. He set a franchise record and tied for the NFL lead with six made field goals from 50 yards or more.

Panthers coach Ron Rivera says in a release that Gano ''has shown range and accuracy in his field goal kicking, and his strong leg has been a weapon for us on kickoffs.''

Of his 82 kickoffs, 76 reached the end zone, including 63 for touchbacks, the highest percentage in the NFL since 1994.

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