No ‘kumbaya’ at Carolina Panthers camp as fights ramp up After another intense practice session on a sweltering day in Charlotte, three key players for the Carolina Panthers — quarterback Bryce Young, cornerback Mike Jackson, and veteran safety Nick Scott — gathered off the field for nearly 20 minutes to discuss the escalating physicality of their training camp. The incident in question occurred during a padded 11-on-11 drill, where Young and Jackson exchanged words following a play, leading to a scuffle that involved multiple players. Center Luke Fortner intervened by tackling Jackson to the ground, halting the chaos. This was not the first time such altercations had occurred this summer. A similar incident in July resulted in Jackson throwing a tight end’s helmet into the air, and another fight had transpired just days prior. Scott, a veteran safety, addressed the media after the practice, emphasizing that the team’s competitive spirit was a positive sign. “We bring it day-in, day-out, and that’s what you want,” he said. “You’d rather have guys talking about, ‘Was that too much?’ than ‘We gotta turn it up a notch.’” He added that the physicality of the camp was a reflection of the team’s dedication, noting that “spill-over” moments are inevitable when players care deeply about their performance. Scott also highlighted the importance of maintaining a balance between intensity and safety, stating, “If practice was all kumbaya, I’d be a little worried. We’re trying to do something that hasn’t been done here in a long time.” The coach, Dave Canales, echoed Scott’s sentiments, acknowledging the need for players to simulate real-game conditions. “I don’t want you guys backing off,” Canales said. “I love this. And offense, you don’t get to complain about getting hit. It’s football.#carolina_panthers #dave_canales #mike_jackson #bryce_young #nick_scott
Panthers QB Bryce Young Involves in Training Camp Altercation Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young found himself at the center of a heated altercation during Monday’s training camp practice, according to reports from The Athletic’s Joe Person. The incident, which occurred on August 10, reportedly began when safety Lathan Ransom attempted to tackle running back Jonathon Brooks during a run play. Young, who was present during the drill, reportedly took offense to the play, leading to a confrontation between him and cornerback Mike Jackson. The conflict escalated, with the two exchanging words and continuing to argue minutes later. An offensive lineman also became involved, and someone sustained a head injury during the scuffle. Following the practice, Young, Jackson, and safety Nick Scott engaged in a lengthy conversation. Scott later addressed the incident in his post-practice press conference, acknowledging the physical nature of training camp. “At this point in camp, there’s just a level of physicality that naturally happens,” Scott said. He noted that the padded drills, combined with the heat, contribute to the intensity of interactions. “We haven’t seen a different color in a long, long time. The pads have been on, it’s hot and everything like that. So, that’s part of the game. You want it. But at the same time, there’s that aspect of protecting the team and guys that you’re going to need on Sunday, for sure.” Scott emphasized that the incident was not a major issue and that the team remained focused on its goals. “This is not like the sitcom of the Panthers,” he said, adding that the team was having fun and that the camp was progressing well. “We’re a physical, a physical, physical team, and that’s what we love about this team. I feel like day in and day out, we bring it.#carolina_panthers #mike_jackson #jonathon_brooks #bryce_young #lathan_ransom
Panthers vs. Cardinals Preseason Game: Key Observations and Player Insights The preseason has begun, and for many fans, it arrived unexpectedly quickly, especially with the Carolina Panthers participating in the Hall of Fame game and an additional early preseason matchup. The team’s upcoming game against the Arizona Cardinals, a team with one of the lowest projected win totals in the league at 3.5 games, has already sparked speculation. While the outcome of this game is unlikely to carry significant weight, it has become a focal point for discussions about the Panthers’ readiness for the regular season. Analysts and fans alike are already drawing conclusions about the team’s depth and performance, even though the result itself holds little importance. The focus of the game will be on several key areas, starting with the Panthers’ backup quarterback, Kenny Pickett. Despite his NFL experience, Pickett’s performance in this game will be more about his composure and decision-making than statistical output. The game’s context—likely featuring limited protection and challenging throwing windows—will test his ability to operate the offense effectively. A strong showing could help ease concerns among Panthers fans about his role as the team’s backup. Another critical area of attention is the Panthers’ offensive line, which faces significant challenges. The absence of starting tackles Taylor Moton and another injured starter has pushed free agent Rasheed Walker and rookie Monroe Freeling into starting roles. This situation raises questions about the team’s depth at the position, as both players are unproven in high-pressure scenarios.#arizona_cardinals #carolina_panthers #brad_idzik #kenny_pickett #jonathon_brooks
NFL Undrafted Free Agent Signings: 2026 Team-by-Team Breakdown Arizona Cardinals Elijah Culp, CB, James Madison Tre Wallace, WR, Ole Miss Carlos Allen, DT, Houston Vinny Anthony, WR, Wisconsin James Brockermeyer, C, Miami (FL) Cash Jones, RB, Georgia CJ Nunnally, DL, Purdue Malik Rutherford, WR, Georgia Tech Jack Strand, QB, Minnesota-Moorhead Jack Velling, TE, Michigan State Baltimore Ravens Cortez Braham Jr., WR, Memphis Nick Dawkins, C, Penn State Matthew McDoom, CB, Cincinnati Aaron Graves, DL, Iowa Dontae McMillian, RB, Eastern Michigan Tyler Pezza, TE, Brown Diego Pounds, OT, Ole Miss Octavian Smith Jr., WR, Maryland Trevonte Sylvester, OT, Louisville Silas Walters, S, Miami (OH) Lardarius Webb Jr., S, Wake Forest Reid Williford, LB, Charlotte Dion Wilson Jr., DL, Syracuse Theron Gaines, LB, Tennessee Tech Ja'Mori Maclin, WR, Kentucky Da’Metrius Weatherspoon, OT, Syracuse Desmond Reid, RB, Pitt Carolina Panthers Jaylon Guilbreau, DB, Texas Aaron Hall, DT, Duke Haynes King, QB, Georgia Tech Cam Miller, CB, Rutgers Kobe Prentice, WR, Baylor Caden Barnett, IOL, Wyoming Coleman Bennett, RB, Kennesaw State KC Eziomume, CB, Tulane Hayden Large, TE, Iowa Miller Moss, QB, Louisville Gabriel Plascencia, K, San Diego State Skyler Thomas, S, Oregon State Cincinnati Bengals Jack Dingle, LB, Cincinnati Eric Gentry, LB, USC Jack Kattus, TE, Kentucky Corey Robinson, OL, Georgia Tech Ceyair Wright, CB, Nebraska Cleveland Browns Davon Booth, RB, Mississippi State Logan Fano, Edge, Utah Bernard Gooden, DL, LSU T.J.#baltimore_ravens #arizona_cardinals #carolina_panthers #cleveland_browns #cincinnati_bengals
Detroit Lions Seek Edge Depth with Visit to Former Panthers, Vikings Player The Detroit Lions are actively pursuing additional outside linebacker talent as the second week of NFL free agency unfolds. On Tuesday, the team invited D.J. Wonnum to visit their Allen Park Performance Center, according to NFL wire reports. Wonnum, 28, is entering his seventh professional season and has spent the past two years with the Carolina Panthers. Last season, he contributed three sacks and an interception while playing for the NFC South division champions. Wonnum was selected in the fourth round by the Minnesota Vikings in the 2020 NFL draft. He spent the first four seasons of his career with the Vikings before joining the Panthers for the last two. Over his six NFL seasons, he has accumulated 30 sacks, 250 combined tackles, and 32 tackles for loss. Detroit’s EDGE position remains a priority as the team currently has three players on the roster. Aidan Hutchinson is the standout, having emerged as one of the league’s top performers with 14.5 sacks and Pro Bowl honors in 2025. However, the depth beyond Hutchinson is limited, with 2025 sixth-round pick Ahmed Hassanein and Tyler Lacy as the other options. Hassanein, who did not play in 2025 after being waived with an injury designation, re-signed on a futures contract following his injury settlement. The lack of depth at the EDGE position has driven the Lions to seek reinforcements. Wonnum, a veteran with experience in both the Vikings and Panthers systems, could provide stability. The team has also focused on strengthening the offensive line and secondary, signing center Cade Mays and offensive tackle Larry Borom. Secondary additions include Christian Izien and Roger McCreary.#minnesota_vikings #detroit_lions #carolina_panthers #dj_wonnum #aidan_hutchinson
Free agent D.J. Wonnum signs one-year deal with Detroit Lions Free agent defensive end D.J. Wonnum has agreed to a one-year contract with the Detroit Lions, sources told ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The deal is worth up to $6 million and marks Wonnum’s return to the NFL after a two-year stint with the Carolina Panthers. Wonnum joined the Panthers in 2023 but did not make an impact during his time with the team. He was sidelined for much of the 2024 season due to a quad injury sustained while playing for the Minnesota Vikings in 2023. The injury limited his playing time, and he was only able to record four sacks during the 2024 campaign despite starting all 15 games. His lack of production stood out, especially given the Panthers’ struggles on defense. The team ranked near the bottom of the NFL in sacks and quarterback pressures, and Wonnum’s contributions were minimal. This made him a potential trade asset, as the Panthers would have had to pay him $825,000 in dead money if they re-signed him. Wonnum was selected by the Vikings in the fourth round of the 2020 NFL Draft. Over his six seasons with the team, he recorded 30 career sacks, including eight in both 2021 and 2023. His departure from Carolina signals a move to a new opportunity with the Lions, where he aims to regain his form and contribute more effectively. ESPN’s David Newton contributed to this report.#minnesota_vikings #detroit_lions #carolina_panthers #adam_schefter #d_j_wonnum
Eagles lose edge rusher Joshua Uche to Jaguars in 2026 free agency The Philadelphia Eagles have lost another key pass-rushing defender as free agency began in 2026. Edge rusher Joshua Uche has agreed to a one-year contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars, according to a report from ESPN’s Adam Schefter. This marks the second departure from the Eagles’ defensive line since free agency opened, following the departure of Jaelan Phillips, who signed a four-year, $120 million deal with the Carolina Panthers. Uche, 27, joined the Eagles in 2025 after spending five seasons with the New England Patriots and Kansas City Chiefs, where he accumulated 20.5 career sacks. A 2020 second-round draft pick from Michigan, Uche was considered a potential rotational piece for Vic Fangio’s defense, with upside to contribute as a pass-rusher. During his time with the Eagles, he recorded 11.5 sacks in 2022, which raised hopes he could become a more consistent threat. However, Uche’s role diminished after the team acquired Phillips in the offseason. Over eight weeks, he logged 204 defensive snaps, generating 20 quarterback pressures and one sack. But with Phillips entering the rotation, Uche was pushed to the sidelines, playing only 11 games in 2025. The Eagles had anticipated his departure, as his impact in Philadelphia was limited, and they opted not to pursue a long-term deal. Uche’s move to the Jaguars represents a new chapter for the former Patriot, who now seeks to reestablish himself in a competitive defensive scheme. The Eagles’ decision to let him go reflects their focus on restructuring their pass-rushing corps, which has faced challenges in maintaining consistent production. As free agency progresses, the team will need to address gaps on the defensive line to complement their evolving strategy.#philadelphia_eagles #carolina_panthers #adam_schefter #joshua_uche #jacksonville_jaguars
Carolina Panthers facing potential loss of starting center Cade Mays to Detroit Lions in free agency The Carolina Panthers may be without their starting center for the upcoming season after the Detroit Lions reportedly signed Cade Mays to a three-year, $25 million contract. According to NFL analyst Joe Person of The Athletic, the deal marks a significant move for the Lions, who are looking to bolster their offensive line. Mays, a key player for the Panthers in 2025, started 12 games for the team during the regular season. Mays was selected by the Panthers in the sixth round of the 2022 NFL Draft from the University of Tennessee. He made seven starts over his first 27 professional games through the 2023 season before being released in the summer of 2024. After a brief stint with the New York Giants, Mays returned to Carolina in October 2024. He then solidified his role as the team’s center, starting eight of the final 11 games of the season. Despite losing the offseason competition for the starting center position to veteran Austin Corbett, Mays reclaimed the role by Week 3 of the 2025 season. His performance throughout the year demonstrated his value to the Panthers’ offensive line, but the Lions’ offer appears to have convinced him to pursue a new opportunity. The Panthers’ decision to let Mays go comes amid a broader reshaping of their roster during the 2026 free agency period. The team’s offensive line has been a focus of improvement, and the loss of Mays could force them to address the position sooner than expected. Fans and analysts will now closely monitor how the Panthers plan to replace him, as the offensive line’s stability is critical to the team’s success in the upcoming season.#detroit_lions #cade_mays #carolina_panthers #austin_corbett #university_of_tennessee
Kenneth Walker III potential landing spots: Where will Super Bowl LX MVP play in 2026? The reigning Super Bowl MVP is entering free agency after the Seattle Seahawks declined to use the franchise tag on him ahead of Tuesday’s deadline. Unless an agreement is reached before free agency begins next week, Walker will seek a new team in the open market. With his career performance and potential impact, speculation is growing about where the running back might land in 2026. Carolina Panthers: Despite head coach Dave Canales’ emphasis on a tandem backfield with Chuba Hubbard, Rico Dowdle emerged as the team’s most productive rusher in 2025, tallying 1,076 yards and six touchdowns. Dowdle is also set to hit free agency, creating a need for a replacement. The Panthers’ rushing attack ranked 19th in the league, and with quarterback Bryce Young facing another critical season, adding a dynamic back like Walker could address both gaps. Canales’ familiarity with Walker, having worked with him during his rookie season in Seattle, adds a layer of connection. However, the Panthers will need to manage their cap space, as Walker is expected to command around $9 million annually. Las Vegas Raiders: Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak now leads the Raiders, and he has expressed interest in pairing a running mate with 2025 first-rounder Ashton Jeanty. While the Raiders face significant needs, particularly on the offensive line, pairing Walker with Kubiak could create a high-impact tandem. If quarterback Fernando Mendoza is to succeed, having a reliable back like Walker would be crucial. Arizona Cardinals: The Cardinals’ season collapsed after James Conner suffered a season-ending injury, highlighting their reliance on the veteran back.#las_vegas_raiders #seattle_seahawks #carolina_panthers #kenneth_walker_iii #dave_canales
