Panthers spend some of their Josh Norman savings on another secondary standout

The Carolina Panthers have agreed to a three-year, $17 million extension with safety Kurt Coleman, NFL.com reported Wednesday.

The #Panthers signed S Kurt Coleman to a 3-year extension worth $17M, source said. $7M guaranteed. $6M paid now. Nice reward for a huge year
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 27, 2016

Coleman, 28, is coming off the best season of his six-year NFL career. In his first season with the Panthers, he picked off seven passes and defended nine others. He also recorded 103 tackles -- the third-highest total on the team -- in 15 games (all starts).

"The game is all about opportunities and seizing those opportunities," Coleman told the Panthers’ website. "I was able to do that, but I couldn't do it by myself. My teammates elevated my game, the coaches prepared us, and ultimately, when I was in the right position I made the plays. It all started with the belief in myself. I knew if I was given the opportunity I would succeed."

Because of the offseason departures of Josh Norman, Charles Tillman and Roman Harper, Coleman will be counted on for veteran leadership in a young secondary this season.

Coleman originally was a seventh-round pick by the Philadelphia Eagles in 2010 and has played for the Eagles, Panthers and Kansas City Chiefs. He has 17 career interceptions.