The Carolina Panthers might be getting even more of a return on their investment into right guard Robert Hunt.
This past Thursday on Twitter/X, Hunt paid homage to fellow hog molly and future Hall of Famer Zack Martin—who recently informed the Dallas Cowboys of his decision to retire. Under the post sat an inquiry from a Panthers fan, asking the veteran offensive lineman if he has any “buddies” who are looking to come to Carolina.
Here was Hunt’s response:
Hmmm . . .
So, who could those “buddies” possibly be?
Well, perhaps he still has connections over in Miami—where he played the first four years of his NFL career.
Some notable Dolphins free agents who were teammates with Hunt include running back Raheem Mostert, pass rusher Emmanuel Ogbah and safety Jevon Holland. Holland, given the Panthers’ needs in their secondary, might be of particular interest.
But even if he’s not on the recruiting trail, Hunt—one of two Pro Bowlers for the team in 2024—has started to bulldoze quite path for himself in Carolina already.
*Pssst . . . Rob, seriously though . . . the squad could really use a certain safety.*
Related
Panthers buy more time to negotiate new deal with C Austin Corbett
Panthers' signing of Robert Hunt projected to net Dolphins high compensatory pick
Panthers G Robert Hunt has an even newer nickname for Bryce Young (but you'll need to use your earmuffs)
Here’s a fresh weekend open thread just for you.
Feel free to use this thread to hang out over the weekend and chat about whatever you want (just make sure you follow the ToS ... the rules still apply here) with anyone who decides to stick around.
This is now an open thread!
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The Panthers bring back another offensive piece from 2024
And another domino falls for the Panthers pre-Free Agency period.
Tommy Tremble was slated to hit free agency as an unrestricted free agent following the expiration of his rookie contract. The Panthers selected Tremble in the 3rd round of the 2021 NFL Draft. He’s played in 61 total games with 34 starts, catching 85 passes for 782 yards and 9 TDs during that span. Tremble returns to the team that drafted him.
At just 24 years old at the time of this writing going on 25 by the time the season starts, there’s certainly still time for development for a tight end primarily lauded for his athleticism and blocking ability coming out of college. The tight end position could likely use more reinforcements, but returning Tremble to pair with 2024 rookie Ja’Tavion Sanders is certainly not a bad way to start the free agency period. What are your thoughts on bringing Tommy back, Panthers fans?
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The Panthers bring back the veteran starter for another year with their offensive line.
The Panthers reportedly pushed back Austin Corbett’s void date on his expiring contract a few weeks ago in the hopes of coming to an agreement for a return. It appears they have found their common ground.
Panthers agree to terms with Austin Corbett
Learn morehttps://t.co/f7rGzwxL6G@verizon | #KeepPounding pic.twitter.com/I5GfG8CZIl
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) March 8, 2025
The Panthers and Corbett agreed to terms on a one year deal, days after they also tendered fellow center Cade Mays on a restricted free agent tag. Center looked like it could be a big question mark going into the free agency period and NFL Draft, but they’ve appeared to address that spot.
Corbett joined the Panthers via free agency in 2022, starting every game at right guard that season but tore his ACL in the final game. Then, he played about 4 games in 2023. Still, the Panthers kept him on board for another season, and he moved to center to start off the year in 2024. Unfortunately, he only lasted a few weeks before suffering a season ending triceps injury.
What are your thoughts on bringing back the veteran, Panthers fans?
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We bring you part two of this week’s fan mailbag!
Hello CSR! Welcome to Brian Answers, part two of your weekly Panthers fan mailbag for everyone! The questions this week seemed to focus on the draft and making trades, as Free Agency is right around the corner next week. So, let’s dive right in to all of your fan questions!
KeepPounding88: As our resident insider, can you address the rumors that Mason Graham could fall to our pick?
It certainly seems plausible. If two QBs go in the top 7 and two OL go in the top 7 (which both seem likely), that means only 3 other players would need to be taken that aren’t Mason Graham for the Panthers to get him. Offensive linemen and edge players could take precedent over Graham, so I am quietly hoping that Graham falls down that far and the Panthers don’t overthink the pick.
ericbuck: I was most impressed by Mizzou Right Tackle Armomd Membou.
Not only did he put up fantastic numbers, but he also was one of the rare prospects whose height was TALLER than what the College team listed him.
I’m considering starting a movement (a Membou-vement, if you will) for the Panthers to select him at 8 if he is available.
Would you join my movement, Brian?
While continuing to build the offensive line makes sense if the goal is to continue to develop Bryce Young and help him thrive, I’d be lying if I said this pick at 8 wouldn’t disappoint me. Now, if they went to move someone like Taylor Moton prior to the Draft? Different conversation.
Bruce Guild: Not a question but a thank you.
I love this time of year. My schedule and lifestyle doesn’t allow for watching other NFL teams or college football so my knowledge of anything non Panther is very limited, but I love football and talking football.
The content from the CSR team but even more the conversations and posts from the members here that dig in and scour the internet and share their thoughts on these college prospects and free agent prospects is so interesting. I appreciate and enjoy it all so much. Thank you.
So if I had a question it would be this Brian. Are other team forums as educated about their team, free agency and college prospects? Are they capable of sharing their thoughts without all out wars and battles? I am always impressed with some of the conversations I see that feels like may end up in an arrest for murder, can later be forgotten and followed up with support on another subject.
Thank you for the kind words, we really appreciate it!
I actually do think many of the other NFL forums we’ve interacted with are quite educated about their teams and they do a ton of good work throughout the offseason. I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with many of the NFL contributors throughout the years and can definitely say the passion is there. However, our little community is special in that we’re always having conversations here. That’s what pieces like this one are for, specifically.
Marsha Jackalone: What number will Shemar Stewart wear for the Panthers?
Number 8, for the spot he was selected at!
bolshy: Who will be out starting center and should we be worried about that position?
I wouldn’t worry too much about it just yet. It looks like the Panthers are working to bring back Austin Corbett, and reportedly have given Cade Mays an RFA tender. They could also look for a middle round center to add some interior line depth. I don’t know who exactly it is yet, but the Panthers aren’t hanging the position out to dry at the moment.
Scorpion Races: I don’t think Dan Morgan values draft picks like we fans do. Do you think the Panthers trade out of position 8? If so, with which team and who do they pick?
At the moment, I do not think the Panthers will trade back from 8, if only because there should be a VERY good player available, either on defense or potentially a wide receiver, there. However, I have the Cowboys and 49ers pegged as teams that might want to leap up ahead of other teams, if the Panthers decide they want to accumulate some more picks.
mendishar: 1) With our swings and misses from the previous GM on RAS, the Wonderlic being so controversial, and S2 and others out there, what has been the most accurate measure of a college player translating to NFL Success?
2) What round are we taking a punter, and who should we be targeting?
I think the best indicator is high level production against high end talent (think the Alabamas and Georgias of the world). There’s not really a foolproof indicator, but in my opinion, the guys who have shown production tend to work out better than the athletic guys who need development.
I think the Panthers should sign a punter, personally. I’d use as many lottery tickets on defensive depth as they can in the late rounds of the Draft.
Capitiatethedj: The Panthers are currently slated to have 9 draft picks. How many do you think they will officially draft by the end of April 26th?
Let’s go with 8. I think they’ll make a move or two in the middle/late rounds, and having 3 5th round picks certainly gives them some room to trade up in the 3rd/4th rounds.
Bull123: how far would we possibly trade back?....would we trade for as low as a 3rd rounder? (hope not)
I could see the Panthers dropping as far back as 20 if the picks are there. Pick up a 2nd, maybe a 2nd in the future? Again, as stated above, I don’t think they will move off of 8, but they could go pretty far back. And if they are moving one spot or two, yeah a 3rd rounder is certainly on the table.
Vashti2112: Is there a scenario involving trading back, where the Panthers could/would pick up Jeanty?
I could see him failing to the latter half of the first round (...or go in the top 5 - RBs are SO wonky), and if the Panthers get an opportune trade back offer or two, might see him still available while having gained perhaps a couple of 2nd rounders.
I’m not trying to beat the drum for him, but he’s an impressive talent, and even with Hubbard, he could be a game-changing addition. (thinking better version of Stewart/Williams). Our OL is heavily geared for run-blocking, and controlling the line of scrimmage helps the defense - as well as Bryce. Then spend the next half dozen on defense.
Is this a “Hell, no!” thought, or is it plausible?
I’m still hungering for Graham, but exploring other directions.
I don’t see any scenario where the Panthers take Jeanty in the first round. they have too many other needs elsewhere. I think they’d be better off taking a RB in the middle or late rounds as this is a deep RB class.
@WTMealey: Combine question: I like to combine my cereals-my favorite combination is honey nut cheerios, raisan bran and capn crunch. What is a cereal or other unorthodox food combine you do?
I was told recently that pizza and ranch is a weird combination? Always been a fan of some ranch and pepperoni pizza. Sounds off in the comments with some of your favorite weird meal combinations!
Join us next week for another edition of our fan mailbag, and KEEP POUNDING!
Photo by Matt Kelley/Getty Images
The Panthers are keeping the best of what’s left from 2024
Mike Jackson is returning to the Carolina Panthers on a two-year, $14.5M deal. He started seventeen games at corner for the Panthers last season after the departure of Donte Jackson, now with the Los Angeles Chargers, left a void in the Panthers secondary opposite Jaycee Horn.
Jackson was a veteran acquired last offseason in exchange for a rookie seventh round pick. Basically, he wasn’t a part of the team’s plans until he made himself a part of them. The team let him test the waters in free agency, but ultimately both sides agreed that the Carolinas were the best fit for him.
Playing opposite a corner the quality of Horn makes you the favorite target of opposing passers. Jackson rated as the 64th best out of 223 qualifying cornerbacks last season and the 60th best at coverage, specifically, per Pro Football Focus. That’s impressive work given the volume of passes he saw on one of the worst defenses in football last year.
The Panthers are clearly focused on remaking their defense today. It’s good to see that they are not throwing out the few stellar babies they had with last season’s sordid bathwater.
Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images
Tracking news, rumors, signings and misses from the Carolina Panthers’ 2025 free agency
The Panthers got off to a quick start in on the first day of the legal tampering period for the NFL’s 2025 free agency. Their defensive front and secondary are almost completely remade after six transactions, with more expected soon.
As always we will be tracking all rumors and official pieces of news relative to the Panthers and what happens around them in free agency. This post will serve as that tracker so make sure to bookmark it and check for constant updates in the coming weeks.
Keep in mind that the NFL’s legal tampering window opened on Monday, March 10th at 12pm ET, free agency officially begins with the new league year at 4pm ET on Wednesday, March 12th. All reported deals during this period will not be official and cannot be signed until the league year has begun.
Carolina Panthers signings, re-signings, and extensions
- The Panthers re-signed center Austin Corbett
- The Panthers re-signed tight end Tommy Tremble
- The Panthers extended cornerback Jaycee Horn
- The Panthers signed former Las Vegas Raiders safety Tre’von Moehrig
- The Panthers signed former Minnesota Vikings edge Patrick Jones II
- The Panthers signed former Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Bobby Brown III
- The Panthers signed former Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Tershawn Wharton
- The Panthers re-signed cornerback Mike Jackson
Carolina Panthers Free Agency Rumors
The Panthers were connected to, but ultimately lost, former Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Milton Williams to the New England Patriots
Former Panthers on the move
N/A
Where does the Panthers 2025 cap space stand?
We honestly don’t know yet.
Overthecap.com had the Panthers with approximately $26M of cap space at the start of free agency, but we don’t have enough details about the deals the Panthers agreed to on the first day of the legal tampering window to accurately project where they are now.
We do know that Jaycee Horn’s extension was projected to save the team approximately $5M against the cap in 2025. We’ll keep you updated as information becomes available.
Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
The Panthers have elected to let Johnny Hekker walk in favor of a younger replacement.
The Carolina Panthers have reportedly come to terms with punter Sam Martin on a one year deal worth about $3 million.
We had seen Johnny Hekker’s consistency and power diminish in recent years as he gets up their in age, so the Panthers rightfully looked to go younger at the position. Martin is just while Hekker is 35 years and 31 days old while Martin is a spry 35 years and 12 days old.
Martin, being in the prime of his career, averaged an entire yard longer per punt than the aging Hekker did last season. Martin had a lower net, but he had one full punt more downed inside the 20 yard line than Hekker did. Martin also finished in the top 10 in most touchbacks punted.
The move checks off arguably one of the most pressing needs the Panthers had on their roster, and the front office was clearly very aggressive in pursuing a significant upgrade at the position.
Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images
Jaycee Horn earned a big pay day this offseason. How do you feel about it?
The first big move of free agency for the Carolina Panthers was taking care of one of their own. Cornerback Jaycee Horn landed a monster extension that made him the highest paid defensive back in NFL history.
Horn, who was selected 8th overall in the 2021 NFL Draft, plays at a position that doesn’t get a lot of visibility for the audience at home unless something goes terribly wrong or incredibly right. A good defensive back doesn’t get his named called by the announcer often. Unfortunately for Horn, his name has been in the news more often for injuries than highlight plays over much of his first four years in the NFL. This last season was the closest he has come to playing a full season.
That said, he has been incredible when he has made it onto the field. He is young, his injuries were a series of unrelated issues, and he is obviously one of the best players on the team. If good teams build through the draft then they also have to reward their drafted players who have earned a second contract.
This week we’re asking y’all to grade the contract extension that Horn signed this week.
Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NFL. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Carolina Panthers fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.
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The Panthers have found their Miles Sanders replacement
The Panthers are continuing to comb through the free agency pool for talent. They made a rare (for this particular Offseason) move on offense this time.
And we have the cap details from Ian Rapoport:
After deciding to release Miles Sanders in the last few days, and with the likelihood that 2024 2nd round pick Jonathan Brooks will miss the entire 2025 season due to injury, running back had popped up as a need for Carolina. And they got an intriguing option to say the least, as a pairing with Chuba Hubbard.
After a relatively quiet first few seasons to his career in Dallas, Dowdle rushed for 1,079 yards on 235 attempts, running in two TDs. He added another 3 TDs as a receiver. Dowdle was definitely the better running back for Dallas last season, but shared time with veterans Ezekiel Elliott and Dalvin Cook. I’m personally very excited to see what he can add to this backfield as the running mate with Chuba Hubbard, who is also coming off his best season as a pro.
Sound off on your thoughts in the comments, Panthers fans!
