A key problem could already be brewing for the Panthers ahead of training camp due to a major league issue that has yet to be resolved

Nic Scourton remains unsigned with training camp approaching

For the Panthers, defensive end Nic Scourton is the player to watch for when rookies start showing back up to the team facilities next week.

The 51st overall pick is one of the 30 second-rounders who has yet to sign their rookie contract and the reason why is due to the other two that have actually signed.

Cleveland Browns' linebacker Carson Schwesinger and Houston Texans' wide receiver Jayden Higgins each signed fully guaranteed contracts as the first and second players drafted in the second-round. Prior to this year, second-round picks never received a fully guaranteed deal, only players selected in the first-round.

Naturally, the other 30 second-round selections are now digging their feet into the sand to see if they can receive a similar contract and can even look to take extreme measures like Harris did by holding out at the start of camp.

For Scourton, it's unlikely that he receives a fully guaranteed deal based on where he was selected in the round. But, it's likely that he will at least be looking to secure a percentage increase in guarantees based on what the 51st overall pick got in 2024.

That player was Pittsburgh Steelers' offensive lineman Zach Frazier, who signed a  $7,544,214 deal with $5,039,272 guaranteed (66.8%). So, Scourton will be looking to secure a deal with a higher guarantee percentage. 

Getting this deal signed before camp will be key for the Panthers' front office to avoid any potential hold out issues from happening, but it's not going to be easy until one team/player caves in and creates a domino effect for the other negotiations.

Ideally, everything works out by July 22nd and Scourton takes the field alongside the rest of the rookie class. We'll see if other players can score another win or if the other teams pick an end to what the Browns and Texans inadvertently started.