Panthers stick with Gamble

Gamble: Six-year deal

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The Carolina Panthers have signed cornerback Chris Gamble to a six-year contract extension.

The new deal, which is believed to be worth more than $50 million, stops the 25-year-old becoming a free agent at the end of the season.

A first-round pick in the 2004 draft out of Ohio State University, Gamble has 19 career interceptions, the second most in Panthers history.

"Chris is an extremely talented player and is playing at a high level," Carolina general manager Marty Hurney said.

Career

"He started his career with us, and this extension is another step toward the possibility of his finishing his career as a Panther.

Gamble, who will remain a Panther until the end of the 2014 season, added: "Just knowing that I'll be in Carolina is very important.

"I can just stay focused knowing I'm going to be a Carolina Panther for seven more years. It's just very exciting."

Carolina still have to decide on what to do with defensive end Julius Peppers and left tackle Jordan Gross, with the pair possible free agents at the end of the campaign.

Porter punished

The NFL fined Miami Dolphins linebacker Joey Porter on Friday for unsportsmanlike conduct during his team's loss to the New England Patriots.

Porter was fined $7,500 for verbally abusing the opponent after a play was over during the 48-28 defeat at Dolphin Stadium.

The 31-year-old former Pittsburgh Steeler has enjoyed an excellent year for the 6-5 Dolphins, recording 39 tackles and 14.5 sacks so far.

In the same game, Patriots left tackle Matt Light and Dolphins linebacker Channing Crowder were both ejected after a scuffle. They were fined $15,000 for the incident.