The Carolina Panthers have re-signed veteran long snapper JJ Jansen to a one-year contract for his 18th season with the franchise. The 40-year-old specialist, who has played 277 consecutive games for Carolina since joining in 2009, signed the deal Tuesday as he continues to build his franchise record.

Jansen's durability is remarkable in today's NFL. Since arriving from the Green Bay Packers in a trade, he has never missed a game due to injury and has been remarkably consistent through the years. The only active players with more games played are Denver Broncos tight end Marcedes Lewis (290) and Arizona Cardinals defensive end Calais Campbell (278).

This marks the fourth consecutive offseason that Jansen has signed a one-year contract to return to Carolina. If he plays all 17 games in the upcoming season, Jansen will move into the top 20 in NFL history for games played, currently sitting at 27th. His return provides stability for the Panthers' special teams unit as they continue to build around quarterback Bryce Young.