Getty Images
Washington released senior linebacker Thomas Davis on Wednesday, although he was due to become a free agent next week. He has now confirmed the reason: Davis will sign a one-day contract next week to officially retire with the Panthers.
Davis, 37, had already announced his retirement in December.
“The time has finally come and I want to thank each of you for supporting me on this journey,” Davis wrote on social media. “The Washington football team agreed to release me so that, on March 11, I officially return to the place where my heart has always been. When I sign a one-day contract, I will retire from @nfl as Carolina Panther. @ panthers, thank you from the bottom of my heart for this opportunity. “
The Panthers made Davis the 14th overall choice in 2005, and he played 14 seasons in Carolina. He won Walter Payton for Man of the Year in 2014 and received All-Pro honors from the main team in 2015.