Panthers Team Notes

[Carolina Panthers]

Find out the latest news about your Carolina Panthers.

 

[Carolina Panthers]

Panthers reportedly hire Bills trainer credited with saving Damar Hamlin's life

The Carolina Panthers now have themselves a literal life-saver.

According to NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero, the team has hired Buffalo Bills associate athletic trainer Denny Kellington as their vice president of player health and performance. Kellington has been credited with helping save the life of safety Damar Hamlin—who experienced an episode of commotio cordis, a rare disruption of heart rhythm, during a Monday night game on Jan. 2, 2023.

Hamlin collapsed on the field following a tackle of Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins. Kellington would then provide immediate cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to a motionless Hamlin, a decision that proved to be a critical one.

Kellington spoke about the moment while giving the commencement address at his alma mater of Oklahoma State University later that spring.

“I was not a hero on January 2nd, I was ready,” he stated. “I was ready because I dedicated my life to this work and because I had the support of my friends, my family, and my mentors.”

Kellington received a fifth-place vote for the AP’s Most Valuable Player Award at the end of the season.

Related​

Carolina Panthers Honors: Our 2024 season awards​

Panthers GM Dan Morgan is asked what he's looking to add this offseason​

Panthers, American Heart Association host CPR training for players, staff​

Source: https://pantherswire.usatoday.com/2...-bills-trainer-denny-kellington-damar-hamlin/

 

[Carolina Panthers]

Tom Brady's Super Bowl LIX commentary had NFL fans missing Greg Olsen

Tom Brady may be the “G.O.A.T.” of the gridiron, but the same cannot be said—at least for now—about his abilities in the broadcast booth. That title, rather, may currently belong to a Carolina Panthers great.

FOX’s presentation of the Philadelphia Eagles’ dominant Super Bowl LIX victory over the Kansas City Chiefs had its A-squad on the call, with Kevin Burkhardt on play-by-play duties and Brady on analysis. That two-man team looked a bit different just a few years ago, as former Panthers tight end Greg Olsen was the network’s No. 1 color commentator in the last Chiefs-Eagles showdown.

Olsen, however, was bumped away from Burkhardt beginning this season—leaving the top spot to Brady. And since then, fans have missed the two-time Emmy Award-winning broadcaster.

Sunday night was no different . . .

Tom Brady may be the best QB to ever play the game, but in the booth, he’s not even close to Greg Olsen.

— Ryan Dengel (@RyanDengel) February 9, 2025

Tom Brady doing 5 months of tv and getting to call the Super Bowl is so disrespectful to Greg Olsen lmao

— John (@iam_johnw) February 9, 2025

Guys… Tom Brady is really bad at this. I hate doing this, but my god. Greg Olsen deserves this spot.

— John Stocco (@fakeJohnStocco) February 10, 2025

The “this is your life Tom Brady” approach to the broadcast reflects the flaw in this booth. Greg Olsen calls the game at a much higher level, but star struck empty suits and sponsors love the idea of spending time with Brady and producing slick promos in lieu of a good broadcast

— Brian Webber (@bwwebber) February 10, 2025

I wish I could trade Tom Brady for Greg Olsen second half

— A Real Naysayer (@Aye_Pain) February 10, 2025

Greg Olsen should have kept his job as Fox’s lead football color commentator. Tom Brady is better suited for in studio analysis or deep dive football nerd talk on his own podcast.

— Mike Evans (@CoachEvans57) February 10, 2025

Greg Olsen is worlds, GALAXIES better than Tom Brady as an analyst.

— Josh Newman (@Joshua_Newman) February 10, 2025

I really don’t enjoy listening to Tom Brady as a commentator. His flow is awkward, and he always makes it about his own experiences.

Greg Olsen should’ve been the one doing the Super Bowl with Kevin Burkhardt.

— Rick Bingham (@VagueTrain) February 10, 2025

It really is too bad that Greg Olsen isn’t doing this game

— Computer Cowboy (@benbbaldwin) February 9, 2025

Can we make a second half substitution and get Greg Olsen in the booth? Brady adds nothing to the broadcast to give insight into what’s happening. pic.twitter.com/hZUyqwXvYx

— Steve White (@NTVsSteveWhite) February 10, 2025

Related​

Panthers great Greg Olsen goes viral for wild photo from Christian McCaffrey's wedding​

FOX Sports bashed by Twitter users after Greg Olsen's Sports Emmys win​

Cam Newton, Greg Olsen recall amazing Thanksgiving story from 2015 season​

Source: https://pantherswire.usatoday.com/2...agles-chiefs-commentary-tom-brady-greg-olsen/

 

[Carolina Panthers]

Panthers great Steve Smith Sr. seemingly angry with comments from Cam Newton

(This story was updated to add new information.)

Is there a beef cooking between two Carolina Panthers legends?

The franchise’s all-time leading passer Cam Newton has seemingly ruffled the feathers of the franchise’s all-time leading receiver Steve Smith Sr.

Newton, while joining reigning Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter at “Radio Row” this past week, talked about the pressure of being a No. 1 overall pick of the NFL draft. And in doing so, he used a not-so-flattering title for his former teammates . . .

Cam Newton hopped on Travis Hunters’ show and dropped a GEM about being the #1 pick

@TravisHunterJr @CameronNewton pic.twitter.com/oJPsXALOEx

— Overtime (@overtime) February 7, 2025

That “losers” comment apparently didn’t sit well with Smith Sr., who tweeted out the following on Monday:

@SteveSmithSr89 (Twitter/X)

The Panthers selected Newton atop the 2011 draft after going a league-worst 2-14 in 2010. They weren’t “losers” for much longer, as Carolina went 12-4 in 2013 while capturing their first NFC South title in five years.

That campaign would be the final one in Charlotte for Smith Sr., who was released by the Panthers during the 2014 offseason.

Newton and the Panthers proceeded to win two more division crowns in the following two seasons, a run capped off by the franchise’s first-ever Most Valuable Player Award (Cam) and their second-ever Super Bowl appearance.

Smith Sr. played out the final three seasons of his NFL career with the Baltimore Ravens before retiring after the 2016 campaign.

Perhaps Newton, who has praised Smith Sr. numerous times in recent years, wasn’t directing the “losers” label to him specifically. After all, can you guess who was a (big) part of the organization’s first-ever Super Bowl team?

Update (5:10 p.m. ET): Smith Sr. followed up the above post with this . . .

I’ve watched & listened from a far as U @CameronNewton
talk about @Panthers! None of us are perfect. Yes We were 2-14 before you blessed us w ur presence. The way you have talked about @panthers lately I’m very disappointed. I wish u nothing but the very best. I’m done !!!

— Steve Smith Sr. (@SteveSmithSr89) February 10, 2025

Related​

Panthers great Cam Newton says he wouldn't trade his MVP award for Super Bowl title​

No, Panthers great Steve Smith Sr. did not get knocked out at UFC event​

Julius Peppers: Steve Smith should already be in the Pro Football Hall of Fame​

Source: https://pantherswire.usatoday.com/2025/02/10/panthers-steve-smith-cam-newton-beef-travis-hunter/

 

[Carolina Panthers]

Panthers announce signing of familiar face on Tuesday

The Carolina Panthers may have just added a bit of insurance behind one of their soon-to-be free agents.

As announced on Tuesday afternoon, the team has signed kicker Matthew Wright to a reserve/future contract. The deal comes a month before the start of free agency, when Carolina’s primary placekicker Eddy Piñeiro is set to hit the open market.

Wright has signed to nine different NFL teams since entering the league out of the University of Central Florida in 2019. One of those teams was the Panthers, who picked up Wright to cover for Piñeiro’s groin strain during the summer of 2023.

He returned to the Panthers as a member of their practice squad at the end of the same campaign after Piñeiro sustained a hamstring injury.

The 28-year-old kicked for the San Francisco 49ers, Kansas City Chiefs and Tennessee Titans this past season. He successfully booted through 15 of his 16 field goal attempts and all six of his extra point tries.

Related​

Panthers sign big WR on Tuesday​

Panthers' signing of Robert Hunt projected to net Dolphins high compensatory pick​

Panthers sign 10 players to reserve/future contracts on Monday​

Source: https://pantherswire.usatoday.com/2025/02/11/panthers-sign-kicker-matthew-wright-eddy-pineiro/

 

[Carolina Panthers]

Former Panthers coordinator reunites with father, Raiders HC Pete Carroll, in Las Vegas

Once again, football will be a family affair for Las Vegas Raiders head coach Pete Carroll.

The Raiders have finalized their full 2025 coaching staff, a group that includes Carroll’s sons—Brennan and Nate. The former will serve as the run game coordinator/offensive line coach and the latter, who was a part of the Carolina Panthers’ staff in 2024, will be the assistant quarterbacks coach.

Carolina parted ways with Carroll (Nate, that is) this past month. Carroll came over with first-year head coach Dave Canales as the team’s passing game coordinator last February.

Canales and Carroll spent 12 seasons together under Pete in Seattle. Carroll served in numerous roles for the Seahawks, including defensive assistant (2011 to 2012), offensive assistant (2013), assistant wide receivers coach (2014 to 2017), wide receivers coach (2018 to 2021) and senior offensive assistant (2022 to 2023).

Carroll was one of a handful of assistants the Panthers moved on from this offseason—along with outside linebackers coach Tem Lukabu, safeties coach Bert Watts, assistant defensive backs coach DeAngelo Hall and defensive quality control coach Bobby Maffei.

Related​

Report: Panthers part ways with big-name assistant coach​

Panthers HC Dave Canales explains decision to retain DC Ejiro Evero for 2025​

Panthers GM Dan Morgan: Dave Canales is 'like a young Pete Carroll'​

Source: https://pantherswire.usatoday.com/2...-father-raiders-hc-pete-carroll-in-las-vegas/

 

[Carolina Panthers]

Panthers mock draft roundup 4.0: Tracking the latest 2025 projections

With Super Bowl LIX now (painfully) in the books, mock draft season has kicked into full gear.

So, who do the experts think the Carolina Panthers could, should and/or would take with the eighth overall pick?

Here’s a super-sized post-Super Bowl edition of our mock draft roundup . . .

Source: https://pantherswire.usatoday.com/lists/panthers-mock-draft-roundup-4-0-latest-2025-projections/

 

[Carolina Panthers]

Panthers great defends Cam Newton after 'locker room of losers' remarks

Amidst a stream of some pretty heated pushback towards Cam Newton’s comments about the 2010/2011 Carolina Panthers, former running back Jonathan Stewart has brought a bit of rationality to the table.

Newton has drawn the ire of a few former teammates for his remarks about his old squad. When chatting with reigning Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter last week about the pressures of being a No. 1 overall pick, the former No. 1 overall pick stated the following:

That got former wide receiver Steve Smith Sr. going this past Monday:

53 man lockeroom – 1 = 52 losers

Wow… breaking news to 89!

https://t.co/sLYEbSxH3i

— Steve Smith Sr. (@SteveSmithSr89) February 10, 2025

I’ve watched & listened from a far as U @CameronNewton
talk about @Panthers! None of us are perfect. Yes We were 2-14 before you blessed us w ur presence. The way you have talked about @panthers lately I’m very disappointed. I wish u nothing but the very best. I’m done !!!

— Steve Smith Sr. (@SteveSmithSr89) February 10, 2025

Cam’s remarks caught the attention of other ex-teammates as well, including former defensive end Charles Johnson and former offensive lineman Geoff Schwartz:

A professional calling his teammates losers will never sit well with me. Don’t care what no one says. We all battle together. Not just one person. It’s never one person who will win a game. That’s ego talking! Team game, respect the guys. Just my opinion just like his

JAO

— charles johnson (@randywattson) February 11, 2025

Cam came into a locker room with a HoF WR, 2 OL and 2 RBs who either made a Pro Bowl and/or All Pro, two LBs who were All Pros in their careers, plus other high level contributors like Charles Johnson, Chris Gamble, Travelle and more … wasn’t a bum locker room.

— Geoff Schwartz (@geoffschwartz) February 11, 2025

Stewart also offered his two cents on the topic during this week’s episode of the Bleav in Panthers podcast:

the winning locker room, Super Bowl LIX + more https://t.co/O2fFUhqRaT pic.twitter.com/B1RmLsJyvz

— Jonathan Stewart (@Jonathanstewar1) February 12, 2025

Like Smith Sr., Johnson and Schwartz, Stewart was a member of the 2-14 team in 2010. That marked his third NFL campaign, where he ran for 770 yards and two touchdowns.

The franchise’s eventual all-time leading rusher, however, stuck in with the franchise’s eventual all-time leading passer and the franchise’s all-time leading receiver to post a 6-10 record in 2011, a 7-9 record in 2012 and then an NFC South-winning 12-4 record in 2013.

So hopefully, the all-time leaders can all come together to put this—like 2010 and 2011—behind them.

Related​

Panthers great Cam Newton obliterates Olympic gold medalist in bloody reality show fight​

WATCH: Panthers great Jonathan Stewart speaks in favor of Bank of America Stadium renovation​

Cam Newton recalls Panthers' decision to release Steve Smith Sr. in 2014​

Source: https://pantherswire.usatoday.com/2...n-jonathan-stewart-travis-hunter-steve-smith/

 

[Carolina Panthers]

Report: Panthers expected to allow K Eddy Piñeiro to test free agency

The Carolina Panthers are entering an offseason in which all three of their specialists are set to hit free agency. That group includes kicker Eddy Piñeiro—who, according to a team beat writer, may be prepared to explore the open market.

Joe Person of The Athletic reported on Thursday that Piñeiro, Carolina’s primary place kicker for the past three seasons, could be on the outs. In addition to acknowledging Tuesday’s signing of kicker Matthew Wright, Person notes that the team’s reluctance in sending out Piñeiro from long range in 2024 might be another indicator of a possible split.

He writes:

Signing Wright to a future deal doesn’t mean he’s going to be the Panthers’ kicker next season. And the move on its own doesn’t spell the end of Pineiro’s time in Charlotte. But the sense in league circles is that Carolina will allow Pineiro to test free agency following a season in which he made 22-of-26 field goals and was 33-of-35 on extra points. Accuracy has never been the issue with Pineiro. But Panthers coach Dave Canales and his staff seemed to have little faith in Pineiro’s leg strength. Pineiro’s two attempts from 50-plus were the fewest among 25 kickers who tried more than 25 field goals in 2024.

Piñeiro made one of those two attempts, a 53-yarder from the Panthers’ Week 10 win over the New York Giants in Munich, Germany. Over his two prior seasons in Carolina, he booted through seven of his nine field goal tries from at least 50 yards away.

There was a bit of uncertainty surrounding Piñeiro last offseason, after he did not attend voluntary minicamp or organized team activities in the spring. He did, however, return for the summer—where he declined to comment on the reason behind his absences as he entered the final year of his contract.

The 29-year-old is currently the third-most accurate field goal kicker in NFL history (88.1 percent)—behind only Justin Tucker (89.1 percent) and Harrison Butker (88.6).

Related​

Panthers K Eddy Piñeiro injured knee in one of the silliest (but most understandable) ways imaginable​

Panthers' Eddy Piñeiro is now NFL's most accurate FG kicker ever . . . and he didn't even play this week​

Panthers P Johnny Hekker hits Patriots returner with 'too small' taunt​

Source: https://pantherswire.usatoday.com/2025/02/13/nfl-rumors-free-agency-panthers-eddy-pineiro/

 

[Carolina Panthers]

Panthers adding offensive assistant to coaching staff

The Carolina Panthers have seemingly added a fresh face to their coaching staff this week.

According to John Carroll University Athletics, Keyshawn Colmon will be joining the Panthers as an offensive assistant. John Carroll University, Colmon’s alma mater, posted the news to Twitter/X on Friday afternoon:

Congrats to Keyshawn Colmon ‘22 on joining the Carolina Panthers’ staff as an offensive assistant!

The JCU

NFL pipeline gets a rising star in the coaching ranks!

pic.twitter.com/OpsVO7JnvN

— John Carroll Sports (@jcusports) February 14, 2025

A Youngstown, Ohio native, Colmon played wide receiver for the Blue Streaks between 2018 and 2021. He amassed 41 receptions for 624 yards and six touchdowns over a total of 22 collegiate games.

Colmon began his coaching career as a graduate assistant for the University of Dayton in 2022. He’d then go on to serve as an offensive graduate assistant at Fresno State University in 2023.

This past year saw Colmon work as the wide receivers coach for Sacramento State University.

Related​

JJ Jansen after re-signing with Panthers: We're only gonna get better​

Panthers all-time leading WR Steve Smith Sr. grades Xavier Legette's rookie season​

Report: Former Panthers QB coach nearing deal to join Cowboys​

Source: https://pantherswire.usatoday.com/2...l-rumors-hire-keyshawn-colmon-coaching-staff/

 

[Carolina Panthers]

2025 NFL mock draft: What if the Titans trade the No. 1 overall pick?

First dibs on the 2025 NFL draft class may be up for sale.

Last Saturday, ESPN insider Dan Graziano wrote that the Tennessee Titans, the current owners of this year’s No. 1 overall selection, could seriously entertain the possibility of trading out of the top spot in the draft. Then, a day later, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported a similar prospect—noting that the organization will have an “open mind” with the pick.

So . . . what if the Titans do end up pulling that trigger? How would the board, at least as we perceive it ahead of the scouting combine, unravel?

Well, all hell might break loose.

Here, kickstarted by a massive move, is our latest first-round mock draft:

Source: https://pantherswire.usatoday.com/lists/2025-nfl-mock-draft-titans-trade-no-1-pick/

 

[Carolina Panthers]

Luke Kuechly gives his thoughts on who Panthers should draft with 8th overall pick

13 years ago, the Carolina Panthers selected Boston College linebacker Luke Kuechly with the ninth overall pick of the 2012 NFL draft. Little did many know, they’d end up with a future Defensive Player of the Year, five-time first-team All-Pro and a near-first-ballot Hall of Famer.

This year, the Panthers will be in a very similar position—as they’re slated to choose from the 2025 draft’s eighth overall slot. And while the odds would dictate that they won’t find themselves another Luke Kuechly, the team still has a chance to grab themselves one heck of a player.

Kuechly recently chatted with Sports Lens editor DJ Siddiqi, who asked the former ‘backer and current Panthers radio analyst for his thoughts on this spring’s first-round pick.

”You have to find an impact player that helps you out,” Kuechly replied. “Do we go defense? There’s some good edge rushers, there’s a couple of inside guys that are really good. Do we try to find Bryce more playmakers? I think sitting there at eight, we’re going to have some really good opportunities. I’m looking forward to seeing what we do.”

But does Kuechly have any specific “impact” players in mind?

He was then asked who he thinks Carolina should take.

”I’m a defensive guy, love pass rushers and I love big inside defensive linemen,” he stated. “There’s a guy in Michigan, Mason Graham, he’s a stud. Abdul Carter, the two guys at Georgia, they’re all over the place. We just gotta go pick the right one.”

Considering the Panthers just set a new single-season record for most points allowed, investing that pick into an impact defender certainly makes sense.

Unfortunately for Carolina, Graham and Carter—who are widely considered to be two of the very top talents of the class—seem unlikely to fall to them.

The Panthers should, however, be in play for those Georgia guys—whether it’s edge rusher Mykel Williams, linebacker Jalon Walker or even safety Malaki Starks.

As for now, we’ll wait for these prospects to show everyone what they have from the scouting combine in less than two weeks.

Related​

2025 NFL mock draft: What if the Titans trade the No. 1 overall pick?​

NFL draft insider thinks Panthers would 'love' to end up with this top 2025 prospect . . .​

Panthers mock draft roundup 4.0: Tracking the latest 2025 projections​

Source: https://pantherswire.usatoday.com/2...thers-luke-kuechly-mason-graham-abdul-carter/

 

[Carolina Panthers]

JJ Jansen after re-signing with Panthers: We're only gonna get better

JJ Jansen has seen a lot in his 16 seasons with the Carolina Panthers. And now that he’s officially returning for a 17th, the 39-year-old is ready to keep looking up.

The Panthers reached a new one-year deal with their longtime long snapper on Friday morning. Jansen, who would have become a free agent at the start of the new league year next month, will now be sticking around for the upcoming 2025 campaign.

He posted the following to Twitter/X after the news broke:

Excited to be back for 2025!

We’ve got a great group and only going gonna get better over the next few months!

Go @Panthers! #keeppounding

— JJ Jansen (@44DoubleJ) February 14, 2025

Jansen has appeared in every one of the Panthers’ 260 games since being acquired in a trade with the Green Bay Packers prior to the 2009 season. Since then, he’s played under a total of seven head coaches (two interim) and has been a part of four playoff teams in Carolina

This past season, the Panthers went a pretty respectable 5-12 under first-year head coach Dave Canales—more than doubling their win total from 2023. So before it’s all said and done for Jansen, perhaps he adds a fifth postseason trip to his historic stint.

Related​

Panthers great Luke Kuechly reacts to missing out on being a first-ballot Hall of Famer​

More former Panthers take exception to Cam Newton's 'locker room of losers' comments​

Panthers beat writer expects these 2 players to be cut this offseason . . .​

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Source: https://pantherswire.usatoday.com/2025/02/14/nfl-free-agency-panthers-re-sign-jj-jansen-reaction/

 

[Carolina Panthers]

Panthers' 2024 rookie class receives underwhelming grade from NFL.com

The Carolina Panthers’ youngsters still have quite a bit of progress to make.

NFL.com deputy editor Gennaro Filice recently handed out grades for each rookie class from the 2024 campaign. Carolina’s crop, which ranks 27th on the list, received a ‘C.’

That mark comes mostly as a result of a few road bumps, including the ball security issues of first-round wideout Xavier Legette and the devastating ACL tear to second-round running back Jonathon Brooks.

But there’s at least one clear bright spot on offense.

Filice writes:

Frankly, though, Carolina’s best gift to Young didn’t even come from the draft. Undrafted free-agent signee Jalen Coker proved to be quite a find as a reliable, big-bodied target with route polish.

Coker finished with 32 catches for 478 yards and two touchdowns, and a team-leading 14.9 yards per reception.

And as for the other side of the ball . . .

Defensively, Trevin Wallace was pressed into service by Shaq Thompson’s season-ending injury in late September, and the rookie linebacker performed pretty admirably, especially as a coverage player, before hitting injured reserve himself with a shoulder issue. Chau Smith-Wade eventually took over as the team’s starting nickel, but he also finished the season on IR. Like Coker on offense, Demani Richardson was found money on defense, starting five games after going undrafted

Richardson, another undrafted signee, made five starts over his 14 appearances—recording 51 combined tackles and an interception.

Related​

Panthers all-time leading WR Steve Smith Sr. grades Xavier Legette's rookie season​

Panthers WR Xavier Legette flaunts, then cooks freshly-captured squirrel on Instagram story​

Panthers RB Jonathon Brooks, his injury and his increasingly debatable selection​

Source: https://pantherswire.usatoday.com/2025/02/16/panthers-2024-draft-rookie-class-grade-nfl/

 

[Carolina Panthers]

Panthers named possible landing spot for top free-agent WR

The Carolina Panthers might be able to find quarterback Bryce Young some pretty reliable help within their own division.

ESPN’s Bill Barnwell recently scanned the offseason landscape for the league’s top available (or potentially available) wide receivers. Among this year’s top free agents at the position is Chris Godwin, who is familiar with current Panthers head coach Dave Canales from their year together in Tampa Bay.

Barnwell writes:

At the same time, Godwin should have fans in a pair of key roles across the league. The Bucs have sent back-to-back offensive coordinators to head coaching opportunities over the past two years, with Dave Canales taking over the Panthers before Coen earned the Jags job. Both of those teams could easily justify making a move for Godwin, as the Panthers are on their annual quest to find enough help for Bryce Young, while the Jags could replace Kirk in the slot. Whether Godwin leaves for one of those options or stays in Tampa, he might want to lean on a familiar face on a prove-it deal in the hopes of landing something more significant next offseason.

Canales, formerly the Buccaneers offensive coordinator, and Godwin shared a sideline in 2023. That season saw the former second-round pick record 83 receptions over 130 targets for 1,024 yards and three touchdowns.

Godwin, who is coming off a gruesome ankle dislocation from the 2024 campaign, turns 29 years old later this month.

Related​

Report: Panthers expected to allow K Eddy Piñeiro to test free agency​

Panthers GM Dan Morgan talks approach for free agency, draft in 2025​

Carolina Panthers 2025 free agents​

Source: https://pantherswire.usatoday.com/2...ency-rumors-panthers-buccaneers-chris-godwin/

 

[Carolina Panthers]

Panthers great Cam Newton on Luke Kuechly not being a first-ballot Hall of Famer: 'He got robbed'

To this day, Cam Newton has Luke August Kuechly’s back.

While taking fan questions during the taping of the latest episode of 4th & 1 with Cam Newton, the Carolina Panthers legend talked about his former teammate’s exclusion from this year’s Pro Football Hall of Fame class. Newton was asked if he thinks Kuechly, who was in his first year of eligibility, was robbed of the elite first-ballot status.

“That one hit me,” Newton replied. “I do. I do. Because if we’re talking about body of work, first ballot, I think Luke deserved that. He has everything that any defensive player would ever want, career-wise.

“The respect—he has that. The accolades—he has that, Defensive Player of the Year . . . All-Pros, Pro Bowls, those type of things. Just leading the league in tackles, and just his impact—it was something that anybody would respect. And, yeah, that was one of those ones that I said, ‘Yeah, I think he got robbed.”

https://t.co/v73sFYIsl2 pic.twitter.com/cOavROJT22

— 4th&1 with Cam Newton (@4thand1show) February 17, 2025

Kuechly was teammates with Newton for each of his eight NFL seasons. Over that time, the well-respected linebacker captured the 2012 Defensive Rookie of the Year award, the 2013 Defensive Player of the Year award, five first-team All-Pro nods, two second-team All-Pro nods and seven Pro Bowl selections.

Given that he finished in the top seven of the voting for the 2025 class, Kuechly will automatically be a finalist for the 2026 class.

Related​

Panthers great Luke Kuechly reacts to missing out on being a first-ballot Hall of Famer​

Cam Newton recalls hilarious story about Luke Kuechly's hard-hitting practice​

WATCH: Luke Kuechly surprises Cam Newton during live stream at Super Bowl​

Source: https://pantherswire.usatoday.com/2...ootball-hall-of-fame-cam-newton-luke-kuechly/

 

[Carolina Panthers]

Updated list of Panthers' 2025 free agents after Tuesday's re-signing of QB Andy Dalton

The Carolina Panthers brought back another one of their own on Tuesday.

As announced this afternoon, the team has re-signed quarterback Andy Dalton to a two-year deal. The new pact, according to ESPN senior NFL insider Adam Schefter, is worth $8 million—with $6 million guaranteed and a maximum value of $10 million.

Dalton is now the second veteran the Panthers have re-signed prior to the official start of free agency—joining longtime long snapper JJ Jansen, who inked his fresh contract this past Friday.

So, which Panthers are still set to hit the open market?

Here is an updated look at Carolina’s soon-to-be free agents:

• RB Raheem Blackshear (RFA)
• RB Mike Boone
• RB Velus Jones Jr. (RFA)
• WR David Moore
• WR Deven Thompkins
• WR Dan Chisena (RFA)
• TE Tommy Tremble
• TE Ian Thomas
• TE Feleipe Franks (RFA)
• TE Stephen Sullivan
• OL Brady Christensen
• OL Cade Mays (RFA)
• C Austin Corbett
• DL LaBryan Ray (ERFA)
• DL DeShawn Williams
• DL Raequan Williams (ERFA)
• OLB Cam Gill
• ILB Shaq Thompson
• ILB Chandler Wooten (RFA)
• CB Mike Jackson
• CB Caleb Farley
• CB Lonnie Johnson Jr.
• S Xavier Woods
• S Jordan Fuller
• S Sam Franklin Jr.
• S Nick Scott
• K Eddy Piñeiro
• P Johnny Hekker

*RFA = Restricted free agent
*ERFA = Exclusive rights free agent

Related​

Panthers named possible landing spot for top free-agent WR​

All 32 NFL teams (including the Panthers) ranked by salary cap space for the 2025 offseason​

Panthers' biggest needs heading into the 2025 offseason​

Source: https://pantherswire.usatoday.com/2025/02/18/panthers-free-agents-2025-updated-list-andy-dalton/

 

[Carolina Panthers]

NFL analyst Daniel Jeremiah believes Panthers are 'prime trade candidate' for 2025 draft

The Carolina Panthers could very well pick a little later than expected on the first night of the 2025 NFL draft.

On Tuesday, NFL Media analyst Daniel Jeremiah followed up his second mock draft of the offseason with a new episode of the Move The Sticks podcast. Before explaining his pick for the Panthers (which we’ll get to a bit later), Jeremiah dropped an interesting nugget about their position at eighth overall.

“Carolina, I even mentioned this in the blurb, they’re a prime trade candidate as well,” he stated. “It sucks when you have a lot of needs on your team. The nice thing is you can afford to slide around and move around a little bit because you’re still gonna get somebody that’s gonna help you out.”

A move off their first-round spot shouldn’t be much of a surprise if it actually were to happen. Not only does Carolina have a handful of holes to fill, but trading back may be the primary modus operandi for president of team operations and general manager Dan Morgan—who began his front office career with the jumpy Seattle Seahawks.

Oh, and Morgan also said it himself while talking with New York Giants general manager Joe Schoen at last year’s Senior Bowl . . .

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But for now, the Panthers are still at No. 8—where Jeremiah matches them up with University of Georgia linebacker Jalon Walker.

“I think with them, I think trying to find guys that won when you have a team that hasn’t won a lot lately, I think there is something to that,” Jeremiah added. “Bryce [Young] has been through the fire a little bit, but he came out of it stronger. He’s got a winning background, winning pedigree.

“Now we go get somebody on the other side of the ball here in Jalon Walker who’s won a bunch, who’s dynamic and explosive. Versatile piece there. I think it kinda gives them a chess piece for that group.”

Related​

2025 NFL mock draft: What if the Titans trade the No. 1 overall pick?​

Full list of the 329 prospects invited to 2025's NFL Scouting Combine​

9 most mind-blowing stats from Panthers QB Bryce Young's emergent 2024 season​

Source: https://pantherswire.usatoday.com/2025/02/19/nfl-trade-rumors-draft-panthers-daniel-jeremiah/

 

[Carolina Panthers]

Updated salary cap space projections for all 32 NFL teams with 2025's big increase

The NFL just keeps on bringing in the dough.

On Wednesday, the league informed clubs that the per-team salary cap for the 2025 campaign will range from $277.5 million to $281.5 million. That mark would surpass last year’s then-record-breaking cap of $255.4 million.

So, let’s take an updated look at each team’s projected salary cap space for the upcoming season . . .

*Salary cap numbers via Over The Cap

Source: https://pantherswire.usatoday.com/lists/nfl-salary-cap-space-rankings-increase/

 

[Carolina Panthers]

Former Panthers HC Ron Rivera on Cam Newton's 'losers' comments: 'Sometimes things are better left unsaid'

Cam Newton wasn’t the only person to help turn the lowly 2010 Carolina Panthers into Super Bowl contenders over a few years’ time. A lot of credit also belongs to ex-head coach Ron Rivera, who might not see the beginning of that rebuild quite the same as his former quarterback.

Rivera chatted with Joe Person of The Athletic this week regarding a wide range of Panthers topics, both past and present. Person reached into the past to ask the winningest coach in franchise history for his thoughts on the 2011 team—which Newton recently (and controversially) referred to as a “locker room of losers.”

In case you need a refresher . . .

Here was Rivera’s response:

“Sometimes things are better left unsaid. And I’d loved to have seen him be a little more diplomatic. Just because a lot of those guys on that 2010 team became some of those guys that went to the Super Bowl in 2015. It’s unfortunate he made the comments and now he’s just gotta live with them and own up.”

Those comments sparked a bit of pushback from a handful of former teammates—including wide receiver Steve Smith Sr., offensive lineman Geoff Schwartz and defensive end Charles Johnson:

I’ve watched & listened from a far as U @CameronNewton
talk about @Panthers! None of us are perfect. Yes We were 2-14 before you blessed us w ur presence. The way you have talked about @panthers lately I’m very disappointed. I wish u nothing but the very best. I’m done !!!

— Steve Smith Sr. (@SteveSmithSr89) February 10, 2025

Cam came into a locker room with a HoF WR, 2 OL and 2 RBs who either made a Pro Bowl and/or All Pro, two LBs who were All Pros in their careers, plus other high level contributors like Charles Johnson, Chris Gamble, Travelle and more … wasn’t a bum locker room.

— Geoff Schwartz (@geoffschwartz) February 11, 2025

A professional calling his teammates losers will never sit well with me. Don’t care what no one says. We all battle together. Not just one person. It’s never one person who will win a game. That’s ego talking! Team game, respect the guys. Just my opinion just like his

JAO

— charles johnson (@randywattson) February 11, 2025

Rivera and Newton led the Panthers, who were a league-worst 2-14 in 2010, to a 6-10 record in their first season together. They’d go on to amass three NFC South titles and the organization’s second-ever NFC championship between 2013 and 2015.

Related​

Cam Newton responds to Steve Smith Sr., criticism of his 'losers' remarks about former Panthers teammates​

Panthers great defends Cam Newton after 'locker room of losers' remarks​

Panthers great Cam Newton admits he was 'hurt' by former HC Ron Rivera​

Source: https://pantherswire.usatoday.com/2025/02/20/panthers-ron-rivera-cam-newton-losers/