The Carolina Panthers have picked up their fifth-year option on Luke Kuechly's contract.

Kuechly has been one of the NFL's most productive linebackers since entering the league in 2012.

Kuechly will now be due $11.1 million for 2016. The Panthers are likely to work to sign him to a longer extension at some point.

The NFL has suspended Greg Hardy for 10 games.

"The NFL’s investigation concluded Hardy violated the Personal Conduct Policy by using physical force vs Nicole Holder in at least four instances."

Hardy left the Carolina Panthers to sign with the Dallas Cowboys this offseason.

“You should understand that another violation of this nature may result in your banishment from the NFL,” said Roger Goodell to Hardy.

If Hardy's suspension isn't reduced, his first game will be on Thanksgiving Day against the Panthers.

The NFL has reached a deal with the Mecklenburg County (N.C.) District Attorney’s office to look at seven photos from Greg Hardy’s bench trial last summer. 

Hardy was found guilty in that trial, but appealed to have a jury trial and then had the charges dismissed when accuser Nicole Holder failed to appear in court.

Hardy signed with the Dallas Cowboys this offseason and awaits a suspension from the NFL.

Joseph Person of the Charlotte Observer reports that the photos are of Holder’s injuries and were taken by “a medical advocate.” They will only be seen by the NFL, NFLPA and any experts involved in the investigation.