Prepping for NFL rookie minicamp, Panthers ink six of seven draft picks, announce UDFA participants originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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Carolina Panthers general manager Dan Morgan took care of some business before Friday’s start of the NFL rookie minicamp at Bank of America Stadium.
Morgan described his roster-building thought process.
“For me, it’s always about right now, this season and what we’re doing and trying to make sure that we can get the most out of guys,” Morgan said at the close of the draft’s proceedings April 25. “We always start with our roster, but then trying to find guys that fit the traits and characteristics, personality of who the Panthers are. That’s what we were looking for, to just get more of that.”
First-round draft pick Monroe Freeling headlined Thursday’s signings, which included third-round wide receiver Chris Brazzell II, fourth-round cornerback Will Lee III, fifth-round center Sam Hecht, fifth-round safety Zakee Wheatley and seventh-rounder linebacker Jackson Kuwatch.
Second-round nose tackle Lee Hunter remains the lone unsigned draft selection. That is not unusual. Most second-rounders throughout the league do not sign until the market is more established.
Edge Nic Scourton, the team’s 2024 second-rounder, didn’t sign until just prior to training camp.
NFL draft picks sign standard four-year contracts, with first-rounders receiving an option on a fifth season.
The Panthers on Thursday also signed 10 undrafted free agents and received an international player exemption for England native Mapalo Mwansa. The linebacker will be the 91st member of the offseason roster.
UDFA Malick Meiga, a wide receiver from Coastal Carolina, is expected to join the club next week, according to Panthers.com.
To make room on the roster, the Panthers released linebacker Jacoby Windmon.
2026 Panthers UDFA Signings
Here is a listing of the 10 undrafted free agents who’ll participate in the Carolina Panthers’ NFL rookie minicamp:
Player, Position, College team