On July 29, 2011, the Carolina Panthers signed Davis to a five-year, $36.50 million contract that includes a signing bonus of $7 million. The contract also included an $8 million option bonus for 2012. On September 18, 2011, Davis tore his ACL in his right knee during third quarter of the Panthers’ 30-23 loss to the Green Bay Packers in Week 2. The injury occurred when Davis right leg was caught up in a pile of players. On September 19, 2011, the Carolina Panthers officially placed Davis on injured reserve. This became Davis’ third torn ACL in 23 months. No professional athlete had ever recovered and returned to play after three ACL tears in the same knee. He stated at the time that he would become the first and hoped to be an inspiration to others. Davis finished the 2011 NFL season with 12 combined tackles (six solo) and was limited to two games and two starts.