2027 NFL Fifth-Year Option Tracker
May 1 marked the deadline for teams to decide on fifth-year options on 2023 first-rounders. The 2020 CBA revamped the option structure and made them fully guaranteed, rather than guaranteed for injury only. Meanwhile, fifth-year option salaries are now determined by a blend of performance- and usage-based benchmarks:
- Two-time Pro Bowlers (excluding alternates) will earn the same as their position’s franchise tag
- One-time Pro Bowlers will earn the equivalent of the transition tag
- Players who achieve any of the following will receive the average of the third-20th top salaries at their position:
- At least a 75% snap rate in two of their first three seasons
- A 75% snap average across all three seasons
- At least 50% in each of first three seasons
- Players who do not hit any of those benchmarks will receive the average of the third-25th top salaries at their position
PFR’s Offseason Outlook series examined each of these decisions in-depth. Twenty-two options were exercised this year. Here is how each team with an option decision proceeded with 2023 first-round contracts:
- QB Bryce Young, Panthers ($25.9MM): Exercised
- QB C.J. Stroud, Texans ($25.9MM): Exercised
- DE Will Anderson Jr., Texans ($21.51MM): Exercised
- QB Anthony Richardson, Colts ($22.48MM): Declined
- CB Devon Witherspoon, Seahawks ($21.16MM): Exercised
- LT Paris Johnson Jr., Cardinals ($19.07MM): Exercised
- DE Tyree Wilson, Raiders ($14.48MM): Declined
- RB Bijan Robinson, Falcons ($11.32MM): Exercised
- DT Jalen Carter, Eagles ($27.13MM): Exercised
- RT Darnell Wright, Bears ($19.07MM): Exercised
- G Peter Skoronski, Titans ($19.07MM): To be exercised
- RB Jahmyr Gibbs, Lions ($14.29MM): Exercised
- LB Lukas Van Ness, Packers ($13.75MM): Exercised
- LT Broderick Jones, Steelers ($19.07MM): Declined
- DE Will McDonald, Jets ($13.75MM): Exercised
- CB Emmanuel Forbes, Rams ($12.63MM): Declined
- CB Christian Gonzalez, Patriots ($18.12MM): Exercised
- LB Jack Campbell, Lions ($21.93MM): Declined
- DL Calijah Kancey, Buccaneers ($14.48MM): Exercised
- WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Seahawks ($23.85MM): Exercised
- WR Quentin Johnston, Chargers ($18MM): Exercised
- WR Zay Flowers, Ravens ($27.3MM): Exercised
- WR Jordan Addison, Vikings ($18MM): Exercised
- CB Deonte Banks, Giants ($12.63MM): Declined
- TE Dalton Kincaid, Bills ($8.16MM): Exercised
- DT Mazi Smith, Jets ($13.93MM): Declined
- RT Anton Harrison, Jaguars ($19.07MM): Exercised
- DE Myles Murphy, Bengals ($14.48MM): Declined
- DT Bryan Bresee, Saints ($13.93MM): Exercised
- LB Nolan Smith, Eagles ($13.75MM): Exercised
- DE Felix Anudike-Uzomah, Chiefs ($14.48MM): Declined
Panthers RT Taylor Moton Not Weighing Retirement
Last summer, Taylor Moton agreed to a two-year Panthers extension. The team’s right tackle stalwart is under contract through 2027 as a result, and no thought is currently being given to hanging up his cleats.
“Retirement’s not on my mind right now,” Moton said (via Joe Person of The Athletic). “I feel great running around with all the young guys. I’m feeling young. I feel like I’m moving well and I’m feeling like, shoot, I’m still in my prime, right? I don’t feel like I’m slowing down.”
Moton was a backup during his rookie season, but he took on starting right tackle duties in 2018. Since then, he has been a mainstay up front, racking up 128 starts and missing just four games along the way. Moton’s future has been a talking point while he has played through knee issues, and his only absences have come in the past two seasons. That, coupled with the Panthers’ current offensive tackle setup, could result in further speculation regarding his outlook beyond 2026.
Carolina added Rasheed Walker in free agency on a one-year deal. The team then spent its first-round pick in the draft on Monroe Freeling. The Georgia product could operate as the Panthers’ swing tackle as a rookie before becoming a starter somewhere on the offensive line. Ikem Ekwonu is also in the fold, but he is recovering from a torn patellar tendon which threatens to see him miss considerable time this season.
2026 marks Ekwonu’s fifth-year option campaign, so the Panthers will need to decide on a long-term commitment in his case relatively soon. The former No. 6 pick has been a full-time starter when healthy, and he hopes to remain in Carolina beyond the current campaign. A new deal for Ekwonu would of course increase the chances of Walker departing after one season, but Moton’s status will also be key in determining when (and where) Freeling will find himself playing once he takes on first-team duties.
Moton, 32 in August, is due roughly $14.2MM in 2026 and $21.5MM the following year. With none of his base salary for 2027 guaranteed at this point, though, the possibility of his Panthers tenure ending will no doubt be raised next offseason. If that were to take place, Moton may look to continue his career elsewhere based on his current stance regarding retirement.
Panthers RB Jonathon Brooks Cleared For Offseason Program
The Panthers spent a 2024 second-round pick on running back Jonathon Brooks, but multiple knee injuries have prevented him from contributing in the NFL. There is optimism that will change in Year 3 for Brooks, who has been cleared for the Panthers’ offseason program, Joe Person of The Athletic relays.
Despite suffering a torn right ACL in November 2023, Brooks became the first running back off the board in his draft class. The Panthers took the former Texas Longhorn 46th overall, but the recovery process dragged well into his rookie year. The team finally activated Brooks from the NFI list in November, though he totaled just nine carries over three games before tearing his right ACL again. Now almost 17 months removed from the injury, Brooks says he is “close to 100 percent.”
With Brooks unavailable for the bulk of his first season, Chuba Hubbard easily led Panthers running backs in carries (250), yards (1,195) and touchdowns (10) during a career year. The Panthers gave Hubbard a four-year, $33.2MM extension on Nov. 7, 2004, the day after they activated Brooks.
Hubbard remained atop the depth chart entering last season, but it ended up a disappointing campaign for the 26-year-old. Over 15 games, he accrued just 511 yards and a touchdown on 143 carries (3.8 per attempt, down from 4.8 the previous season). Free agent pickup Rico Dowdle took the starting job from Hubbard and amassed 1,076 yards, but he is no longer on the roster. Dowdle hit the open market again this spring and parlayed his Carolina production into a two-year, $12.25MM pact with the Steelers.
Dowdle’s exit should create an opportunity for a healthy Brooks, especially considering the Panthers did not draft a running back this year. Brooks’ primary competition for the No. 2 RB position could be 2025 fourth-rounder Trevor Etienne and AJ Dillon, who will turn 28 on Saturday. Etienne posted just 20 carries over a 17-game rookie season, while Dillon’s impact has fallen off since his 2021-23 heyday with Green Bay. After averaging 183 carries and 729 yards per year over that three-season span, Dillon missed all of 2024 with a neck injury and returned to tally just 12 rushes in seven games with the Eagles in 2025. The Panthers brought in Dillon on a cheap free agent deal, which suggests he is not a lock to make their roster.
Panthers Pick Up Bryce Young’s Fifth-Year Option
The Panthers officially picked up quarterback Bryce Young‘s fifth year option, per a team announcement, locking the 2023 No. 1 overall pick into a fully guaranteed $25.9MM salary for the 2027 season.
Carolina was expected to make this move after Young demonstrated clear signs of development in 2025 and put up career-bests in nearly every statistical category. The 24-year-old benefitted from a stronger supporting cast, including first-round receiver Tetairoa McMillan and breakout running back Rico Dowdle, but he undoubtedly showed a much better command of head coach Dave Canales‘ offense, too.
[RELATED: 2027 NFL Fifth-Year Option Tracker]
Still, Young has a ways to go before fully living up to his draft slot by establishing himself as one of the league’s top quarterbacks. $25.9MM will be a fine price for a starting quarterback in 2027, but the two sides could get to work on an extension right away.
If the Panthers are already confident in Young’s ability to be their long-term starter, a multiyear deal now could look like a steal in a few seasons. That still carries significant risk, as the former Alabama star barely cracked 3,000 passing yards last season with 23 touchdowns, 11 interceptions, and an 87.8 passer rating.
That is hardly the output of a high-end starting quarterback, so Carolina may want to wait another year before agreeing to a long-term contract with Young. He could absolutely play himself into a better deal, but even in that case, the Panthers will know they have their franchise QB. In other words, the risk of having to pay Young more next offseason might be preferable to the risk of ponying up significant guarantees right now without knowing if he is truly the future of their team.
The timing of a potential Young extension has been a talking point this spring. It was reported in February the Panthers were in position to wait until the 2026 season played out to make a big-money commitment. More recently, though, it has seemed as if Carolina would be willing to engage in contract talks now. Young’s approach on this front will be worth watching closely as the summer unfolds.
The Panthers eyed a change in the QB depth chart with Andy Dalton‘s tenure coming to an end. Dalton was traded to the Eagles shortly after Kenny Pickett was added in free agency. The latter will give Carolina a much younger backup signal-caller, while the team accomplished its goal of adding another quarterback shortly after the draft ended. Haynes King was signed as a UDFA on Saturday. Young has not always been the Panthers’ undisputed starter, but he will be expected to log QB1 duties once more in 2026.
How that setup plays out will be key in determining Carolina’s ability to reach the playoffs once again next year. It will also, of course, determine the value of a new Young contract in the event one is not finalized over the near future.
Adam La Rose contributed to this post.
2026 NFL Draft Results: Team By Team
Here is every team’s haul from the 2026 NFL Draft:
Arizona Cardinals
- Round 1, No. 3: Jeremiyah Love (RB, Notre Dame)
- Round 2, No. 34: Chase Bisontis (G, Texas A&M)
- Round 3, No. 65: Carson Beck (QB, Miami)
- Round 4, No. 104: Kaleb Proctor (DT, Southeastern Louisiana)
- Round 5, No. 143: Reggie Virgil (WR, Texas Tech)
- Round 6, No. 183: Karson Sharar (LB, Iowa)
- Round 7, No. 217: Jayden Williams (T, Ole Miss)
Atlanta Falcons
- Round 2, No. 48: Avieon Terrell (CB, Clemson)
- Round 3, No. 79: Zachariah Branch (WR, Georgia)
- Round 4, No. 134 (from Raiders)*: Kendal Daniels (LB, Oklahoma)
- Round 6, No. 208 (from Bills via Jets and Raiders): Anterio Thompson (DT, Washington)
- Round 6, No. 215) (from Eagles)*: Harold Perkins (LB, LSU)
- Round 7, No. 231: Ethan Onianwa (T, Ohio State)
Baltimore Ravens
- Round 1, No. 14: Vega Ioane (G, Penn State) (signed)
- Round 2, No. 45: Zion Young (EDGE, Missouri)
- Round 3, No. 80: Ja’Kobi Lane (WR, USC) (signed)
- Round 4, No. 115: Elijah Sarratt (WR, Indiana) (signed)
- Round 4, No. 133 (from 49ers)*: Matthew Hibner (TE, SMU) (signed)
- Round 5, No. 162 (from Chargers): Chandler Rivers (CB, Duke) (signed)
- Round 5, No. 173*: Josh Cuevas (TE, Alabama) (signed)
- Round 5, No. 174*: Adam Randall (RB, Clemson) (signed)
- Round 6, No. 211 (from Broncos via Jets, Vikings and Eagles): Ryan Eckley (P, Michigan State) (signed)
- Round 7, No. 250: Rayshaun Benny (DT, Michigan) (signed)
- Round 7, No. 253: Evan Beerntsen (G, Northwestern) (signed)
Buffalo Bills
- Round 2, No. 35 (from Titans): T.J. Parker (EDGE, Clemson)
- Round 2, No. 62: Davison Igbinosun (CB, Ohio State)
- Round 4, No. 102 (from Raiders): Jude Bowry (T, Boston College)
- Round 4, No. 125 (from Bears via Chiefs and Patriots): Skylar Bell (WR, UConn)
- Round 4, No. 126: Kaleb Elarms-Orr (LB, TCU)
- Round 5, No. 167 (from Texans): Jalon Kilgore (S, South Carolina)
- Round 5, No. 181 (from Lions)*: Zane Durant (DT, Penn State)
- Round 7, No. 220 (from Jets): Toriano Pride Jr. (CB, Missouri)
- Round 7, No. 239 (from Eagles via Jaguars, Browns and Bears): Tommy Doman (P, Florida)
- Round 7, No. 241 (from Bears): Ar’maj Reed-Adams (G, Texas A&M)
Carolina Panthers
- Round 1, No. 19: Monroe Freeling (T, Georgia)
- Round 2, No. 49 (from Vikings): Lee Hunter (DT, Texas Tech)
- Round 3, No. 83: Chris Brazzell II (WR, Tennessee)
- Round 4, No. 129 (from Bears): Will Lee III (CB, Texas A&M)
- Round 5, No. 144 (from Titans via Panthers): Sam Hecht (C, Kansas State)
- Round 5, No. 151 (from Dolphins): Zakee Wheatley (S, Penn State)
Chicago Bears
- Round 1, No. 25: Dillon Thieneman (S, Oregon)
- Round 2, No. 57: Logan Jones (C, Iowa)
- Round 3, No. 69 (from Giants via Texans, Bills and Titans): Sam Roush (TE, Stanford)
- Round 3, No. 89: Zavion Thomas (WR, LSU)
- Round 4, No. 124 (from Jaguars via Panthers): Malik Muhammad (CB, Texas)
- Round 5, No. 166 (from 49ers via Eagles and Panthers): Keyshaun Elliott (LB, Arizona State)
- Round 6, No. 213 (from Seahawks via Jaguars, Lions and Bills): Jordan Van Den Berg (DT, Georgia Tech)
Cincinnati Bengals
- Round 2, No. 41: Cashius Howell (DE, Texas A&M)
- Round 3, No. 72: Tacario Davis (CB, Washington)
- Round 4, No. 128 (from Texans via Lions and Bengals): Connor Lew (C, Auburn)
- Round 4, No. 140 (from Bengals): Colbie Young (WR, Georgia)
- Round 6, No. 189: Brian Parker II (C, Duke)
- Round 7, No. 221 (from Giants via Cowboys): Jack Endries (TE, Texas)
- Round 7, No. 226: Landon Robinson (DT, Navy)
Cleveland Browns
- Round 1, No. 9 (from Chiefs): Spencer Fano (T, Utah)
- Round 1, No. 24 (from Jaguars): KC Concepcion (WR, Texas A&M)
- Round 2, No. 39: Denzel Boston (WR, Washington)
- Round 2, No. 58 (from 49ers): Emmanuel McNeil-Warren (S, Toledo)
- Round 3, No. 86 (from Chargers): Austin Barber (T, Florida)
- Round 5, No. 146: Parker Brailsford (C, Alabama)
- Round 5, No. 149 (from Bengals): Justin Jefferson (LB, Alabama)
- Round 5, No. 170 (from Broncos): Joe Royer (TE, Cincinnati)
- Round 6, No. 182 (from Jets via Browns, Jaguars, Raiders, Bills and Broncos): Taylen Green (QB, Arkansas)
- Round 7, No. 248 (from Seahawks): Carsen Ryan (TE, BYU)
Dallas Cowboys
- Round 1, No. 11 (from Dolphins): Caleb Downs (S, Ohio State) (signed)
- Round 1, No. 23 (from Eagles): Malachi Lawrence (EDGE, Central Florida)
- Round 3, No. 92 (from 49ers): Jaishawn Barham (EDGE, Michigan) (signed)
- Round 4, No. 112: Drew Shelton (T, Penn State) (signed)
- Round 4, No. 114 (from Falcons via Eagles): Devin Moore (CB, Florida) (signed)
- Round 5, No. 137 (from Eagles)*: LT Overton (EDGE, Alabama) (signed)
- Round 7, No. 218 (from Titans): Anthony Smith (WR, East Carolina) (signed)
Panthers To Sign QB Haynes King
The conclusion of the draft’s seventh and final round is always immediately followed by undrafted free agents lining up deals. 2026 has proven to be no exception on that front.
To no surprise, a few quarterbacks stand out among other UDFAs based on the value of their pacts. One of those is Haynes King; Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports the Georgia Tech product has agreed to terms with Carolina. He adds this contract includes $250K guaranteed.
[RELATED: Panthers’ 2026 Draft Class]
Not long after he had finished making selections in the draft, Panthers general manager Dan Morgan said (via The Athletic’s Joe Person) a UDFA quarterback signing was likely coming. This news thus comes as no surprise. King will join a QBs depth chart topped by incumbent Bryce Young, free agent addition Kenny Pickett and recent signing Will Grier during spring practices and training camp this summer.
King spent three years at Texas A&M before transferring to Georgia Tech. During a three-year run as the Yellow Jackets’ starter, he totaled 55 passing touchdowns and 24 interceptions. King’s rushing ability was on full display as well, as he amassed 2,277 yards and 36 touchdowns on the ground. King was named the ACC’s Player of the Year for 2025, and he finished 10th in Heisman voting for this past season.
Those accolades made him a candidate to be drafted at some point on Day 3. However, NFL teams expectedly steered clear of several passers in the 2026 class, one not held in high regard. King will spend the offseason aiming to at least earn a spot on the Panthers’ practice squad as a quarterback. Given his athleticism and rushing success, though, Carolina may also attempt to have him transition to another position as a means of carving out an NFL role.
2026 NFL Draft Results By Round
From the No. 1 overall pick to Mr. Irrelevant (No. 257), here are the results from the 2026 NFL Draft:
Round 1
1) Las Vegas Raiders: Fernando Mendoza (QB, Indiana)
2) New York Jets: David Bailey (EDGE, Texas Tech)
3) Arizona Cardinals: Jeremiyah Love (RB, Notre Dame)
4) Tennessee Titans: Carnell Tate (WR, Ohio State)
5) New York Giants: Arvell Reese (LB/EDGE, Ohio State)
6) Kansas City Chiefs (from Browns): Mansoor Delane (CB, LSU)
7) Washington Commanders: Sonny Styles (LB, Ohio State)
8) New Orleans Saints: Jordyn Tyson (WR, Arizona State)
9) Cleveland Browns (from Chiefs): Spencer Fano (T, Utah)
10) New York Giants (from Bengals): Francis Mauigoa (T, Miami)
11) Dallas Cowboys (from Dolphins): Caleb Downs, (S, Ohio State)
12) Miami Dolphins (from Cowboys): Kadyn Proctor (T, Alabama)
13) Los Angeles Rams (from Falcons): Ty Simpson (QB, Alabama)
14) Baltimore Ravens: Vega Ioane (G, Penn State)
15) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Rueben Bain Jr. (EDGE, Miami)
16) New York Jets (from Colts): Kenyon Sadiq (TE, Oregon)
17) Detroit Lions: Blake Miller (T, Clemson)
18) Minnesota Vikings: Caleb Banks (DT, Florida)
19) Carolina Panthers: Monroe Freeling (T, Georgia)
20) Philadelphia Eagles (from Packers via Cowboys): Makai Lemon (WR, USC)
21) Pittsburgh Steelers: Max Iheanachor (T, Arizona State)
22) Los Angeles Chargers: Akheem Mesidor (EDGE, Miami)
23) Dallas Cowboys (from Eagles): Malachi Lawrence (EDGE, Central Florida)
24) Cleveland Browns (from Jaguars): KC Concepcion (WR, Texas A&M)
25) Chicago Bears: Dillon Thieneman (S, Oregon)
26) Houston Texans (from Bills): Keylan Rutledge (G, Georgia Tech)
27) Miami Dolphins (from 49ers): Chris Johnson (CB, San Diego State)
28) New England Patriots (from Texans via Bills): Caleb Lomu (T, Utah)
29) Kansas City Chiefs (from Rams): Peter Woods (DT, Clemson)
30) New York Jets (from Broncos via Dolphins and 49ers): Omar Cooper Jr. (WR, Indiana)
31) Tennessee Titans (from Patriots via Bills): Keldric Faulk (DE, Auburn)
32) Seattle Seahawks: Jadarian Price (RB, Notre Dame)
Round 2
33) San Francisco 49ers (from Jets): De’Zhaun Stribling (WR, Ole Miss)
34) Arizona Cardinals: Chase Bisontis (G, Texas A&M)
35) Buffalo Bills (from Titans): T.J. Parker (EDGE, Clemson)
36) Houston Texans (from Raiders): Kayden McDonald (DT, Ohio State)
37) New York Giants: Colton Hood (CB, Tennessee)
38) Las Vegas Raiders (from Commanders via Texans): Treydan Stukes (S, Arizona)
39) Cleveland Browns: Denzel Boston (WR, Washington)
40) Kansas City Chiefs: R Mason Thomas (EDGE, Oklahoma)
41) Cincinnati Bengals: Cashius Howell (EDGE, Texas A&M)
42) New Orleans Saints: Christen Miller (DT, Georgia)
43) Miami Dolphins: Jacob Rodriguez (LB, Texas Tech)
44) Detroit Lions (from Cowboys via Jets): Derrick Moore (EDGE, Michigan)
45) Baltimore Ravens: Zion Young (EDGE, Missouri)
46) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Josiah Trotter (LB, Missouri)
47) Pittsburgh Steelers (from Colts): Germie Bernard (WR, Alabama)
48) Atlanta Falcons: Avieon Terrell (CB, Clemson)
49) Carolina Panthers (from Vikings): Lee Hunter (DT, Texas Tech)
50) New York Jets (from Lions): D’Angelo Ponds (CB, Indiana)
51) Minnesota Vikings (from Panthers): Jake Golday (LB, Cincinnati)
52) Green Bay Packers: Brandon Cisse (CB, South Carolina)
53) Indianapolis Colts (from Steelers): C.J. Allen (LB, Georgia)
54) Philadelphia Eagles: Eli Stowers (TE, Vanderbilt)
55) New England Patriots (from Chargers): Gabe Jacas (EDGE, Illinois)
56) Jacksonville Jaguars: Nate Boerkircher (TE, Texas A&M)
57) Chicago Bears: Logan Jones (C, Iowa)
58) Cleveland Browns (from 49ers): Emmanuel McNeil-Warren (S, Toledo)
59) Houston Texans: Marlin Klein (TE, Michigan)
60) Tennessee Titans (from Bills via Bears): Anthony Hill Jr. (LB, Texas)
61) Los Angeles Rams: Max Klare (TE, Ohio State)
62) Buffalo Bills (from Broncos): Davison Igbinosun (CB, Ohio State)
63) Los Angeles Chargers (from Patriots): Jake Slaughter, C (Florida)
64) Seattle Seahawks: Bud Clark (S, TCU)
Bears Obtain No. 124 From Panthers, Select CB Malik Muhammad
After trading down (via the Jaguars) minutes ago, the Panthers are accumulating more draft picks. They are sending No. 124 to the Bears. The Panthers will receive Nos. 129 and 144 for Nos. 124 and 166, KPRC2’s Aaron Wilson tweets.
The Bears used the pick on Texas cornerback Malik Muhammad. Over 41 games with the Longhorns, the 6-foot, 182-pounder logged three interceptions and deflected 16 passes. After notching a personal-best two INTs and totaling four PDs in 2025, Muhammad earned second-team All-SEC honors.
Muhammad entered the draft as the 104th-best prospect available, per Daniel Jeremiah of NFL.com. Dane Brugler of The Athletic is more bullish on Muhammad, whom he ranked 87th overall coming into the draft. Muhammad has a chance to develop into a Greg Newsome-type starter, according to Brugler.
While Muhammad was a starter at outside corner during the majority of his Texas tenure, he may begin his pro career in a depth role. The Bears lost Nahshon Wright to the Jets in free agency, but they still have Jaylon Johnson as their No. 1 corner. Tyrique Stevenson is the frontrunner to start opposite Johnson, though Muhammad could compete for the gig.
Aside from a full season in 2024, Johnson has missed three or more games five times in his six-year career. He sat out 10 games last season. Meanwhile, after starting his career with back-to-back 16-game seasons, Stevenson was on the shelf four times last year. If their injury issues drag into 2026, Muhammad could see plenty of action as a rookie.
Jaguars Trade Up To Select Duke Edge Rusher Wesley Williams
The Jaguars have moved up five spots to No. 119 overall, trading with the Panthers to select Duke edge rusher Wesley Williams. In addition to, the pick that landed Williams, Jacksonville received the 196th pick from Round 6, sending pick Nos. 124 (fourth round) and 166 (fifth round) in exchange.
The Jaguars had a clear goal of improving the depth of their defensive line in April. Jacksonville had re-signed Dennis Gardeck earlier on in the offseason, keeping him off the free agent market, but they weren’t able to do the same with Emmanuel Ogbah or Dawuane Smoot. Days before the draft, they swapped out defensive tackle Maason Smith for Ruke Orhorhoro, and now, after adding Aggie defensive tackle Albert Regis yesterday, Williams joins the fold.
Williams will be heading to Duval after four years at Duke. After redshirting his freshman year, Williams became an immediate factor in Year 2. He began his redshirt freshman year coming off the bench, but quickly started to earn a bigger role, starting three games and leading the team’s edge rushers in snap share. A breakout 2024 campaign put him on the map as a pass rusher as he recorded 7.5 sacks and 13.5 tackles for loss. His production took a slight step back in 2025, but he remained a reliable starter for the ACC champion Blue Devils.
In Jacksonville, Williams projects as a rotational defensive end who shouldn’t need much seasoning before getting involved. Williams plays with tenacity while still knowing his role in the greater defensive scheme. He’s quick and strong but lacks top end speed to chase plays and can be a little stiff in his pass rush. His biggest impact in Duval may come on special teams. He blocked four field goals and a punt during his time with the Blue Devils.
Panthers Acquire No. 49 From Vikings, Draft DT Lee Hunter
The Panthers are moving up two spots in Round 2, snaring No. 39 from the Vikings. Texas Tech defensive tackle Lee Hunter is Charlotte-bound as a result. Minnesota will collect Nos. 51 and 159 from Carolina in exchange for Nos. 49 and 196, NFL.com’s Mike Garafolo tweets.
Hunter put himself on draft boards early in his collegiate career at UCF. After making an immediate impact at a position that often requires some development as a true freshman, Hunter took on a starting role as a sophomore for the Knights. He exploded onto the scene in Orlando, posting career highs in total tackles (69), sacks (3.0), and tackles for loss (11.0). After producing another sack and 9.5 tackles for loss in his junior year, Hunter opted to transfer to Lubbock, to take on a starting role on what would become one of the nation’s best defensive lines.
Hunter continued to produce for the Red Raiders, notching 2.5 sacks and 10.5 tackles for loss. Though he found success in his pass rushing opportunities at Tech, that likely won’t be where Hunter excels at the NFL level. He profiles as an elite run stopper.
The 320-pound lineman carries his weight with a surprising ease and fluidity. Strong arms make his immovable frame that much more imposing against offensive lines that often attempt double teams to no avail. He’ll need some technique work at the next level but immediately becomes a go-to in must stop running downs for the Panthers defense.
Carolina has struggled to find consistent talent with which to surround star defensive tackle Derrick Brown, but he’s been a lone star on the defensive line for years. Hunter may not be an every down contributor, but he has a strong chance to be a huge asset for the Panthers early and often.