The Carolina Panthers have exercised their fifth-year option on wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin's original rookie contract, ESPN's Adam Schefter reports, citing a source.
Carolina's decision comes days after head coach Ron Rivera admitted Benjamin's weight was an issue when he reported for camp.
That factor, in addition to Benjamin's inconsistent production over his first few seasons, created some uncertainty about whether the Panthers would indeed lock in his contract through 2018.
Benjamin missed the entire 2015 season with a knee injury and made his return to action last year with 63 receptions, 941 yards, and seven touchdowns in 16 games.
The Panthers hope that another year, and the addition of some dynamic playmakers on the offensive side, will help Benjamin recapture his earlier form and build upon the 1,000-yard, nine-touchdown season he put together as a rookie in 2014.
If he proves himself worthy of his first-round draft status, he'll significantly help his chances of receiving a long-term extension before the terms of his fifth-year option take effect.