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Panthers final roster could feature undrafted talents this season
© Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

Could the Carolina Panthers’ next breakout star be one you’ve never heard of? History says yes—and this year’s crop of undrafted free agents might just include the franchise’s next big surprise.

Carolina Panthers GM Dan Morgan wasted no time after the 2025 NFL Draft, quickly signing a deep and intriguing class of undrafted free agents (UDFAs) filled with high-upside athletes, hometown ties, and NFL bloodlines. With roster spots up for grabs on a rebuilding team, this year’s UDFA class isn’t just filler—they’re fighting for real chances to stick.

Undrafted, Not Unseen: High Ceiling Playmakers with Real Shots

Among the Panthers’ most intriguing signings is Jacolby George, a wide receiver from Miami who turned heads with back-to-back seasons of 750+ yards and 8 touchdowns. Despite his 4.60 40-yard dash, George is a polished route-runner and savvy separator, particularly effective out of the slot. On a Panthers squad that drafted one receiver (Tetairoa McMillan) and still needs depth behind Adam Thielen and Jonathan Mingo, George has a clear opportunity to earn reps.

Another name to know is Ethan Garbers, the UCLA quarterback who threw for 3,863 yards and 27 touchdowns across two seasons while splitting time in Chip Kelly’s system. At 6’3”, 209 lbs., Garbers has prototypical size and showed poise in big moments. With Bryce Young entrenched as the starter and Andy Dalton as the backup, Garbers will battle for QB3 duties—likely against 2024 holdover Jack Plummer. While his path is narrow, Garbers’ experience in a pro-style offense could give him a leg up in camp.

And then there’s Muhsin Muhammad III, the son of Panthers legend Muhsin Muhammad. The former Texas A&M receiver isn’t just a legacy name—he posted over 1,100 career receiving yards and 12 touchdowns and is known for his crisp routes and football IQ. Fans will be pulling for “Moose Jr.” to make his own mark in Charlotte.

Defensive Depth & Special Teams Starters in Waiting

On the other side of the ball, Bam Martin-Scott brings a gritty, versatile presence to a linebacking unit in flux. A South Carolina product, Martin-Scott logged 67 tackles and 9 TFLs last season while showing flashes in coverage. His high-motor style and ability to blitz from different alignments make him a potential special teams ace and rotational linebacker—especially with the Panthers lacking established depth behind Josey Jewell and Trevin Wallace.

Mike Reid, a 6’2”, 200-pound cornerback from South Dakota, may be the most physically gifted of the bunch. His frame and physical playstyle stood out in the Missouri Valley Football Conference, and his ability to press at the line of scrimmage could carve him a spot on the 53-man roster or practice squad. With Jaycee Horn’s injury history and the secondary still sorting out roles, Reid has a real opportunity to stick.

Safety Isaac Gifford (Nebraska) and Jack Henderson (Minnesota) round out a group of physical, assignment-sound DBs who could bolster Carolina’s special teams coverage units—an area of weakness last season.

The Final Word: A Pipeline Worth Watching

The Panthers’ undrafted free agent class may not make national headlines, but this group could quietly reshape the roster. From hometown hopefuls like Martin-Scott to legacy names like Muhammad III, these players bring not just a chance to compete—but a legitimate shot at impact.

Dan Morgan himself was a first-round pick, but as a former player who knows the grind, he’s built a front office that understands value is found all over the board. Don’t be surprised if one or more of these UDFAs follows in the footsteps of last year’s breakout, Jalen Coker, and earns a role come September.

Panthers fans: keep your eyes on the underdogs. One of them might just become the next fan favorite.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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