Panthers Bring Back Safety
After weighing offers from Carolina and another unknown team, veteran safety Nick Scott has decided to return to the Panthers on a one-year contract, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Originally a seventh-round pick in 2019, Scott spent four seasons with the Rams, peaking in 2022 when he started all 16 games he played. That season, he recorded career highs with 86 total tackles and two interceptions, earning him a three-year, $12 million deal with the Bengals in 2023. However, his time in Cincinnati was short-lived, as he started only 10 of 17 games and was released after the season.
Scott later signed a one-year, $1.29 million deal with Carolina, where he was expected to serve as a backup to Xavier Woods and Jordan Fuller. But after Fuller suffered an injury, Scott’s role expanded, including a stretch where he didn’t miss a single defensive snap over four games. Unfortunately, a hamstring injury landed him on injured reserve for nearly two months. Once activated, he played primarily on special teams to finish the year.
Now, with Xavier Woods heading to the Titans on a two-year, $10 million deal and Fuller joining the Falcons in free agency, Scott is in line to compete for a starting spot in 2025. The Panthers also signed former Raiders safety Tre’von Moehrig to a three-year, $51 million deal, making him a likely starter.
Second-year player Demani Richardson, an undrafted free agent from Texas A&M, is another name to watch. Richardson stepped in as a starter last season when Scott was injured and continued in that role even after Scott returned. His performance could put him in competition with Scott for playing time.
With Moehrig, Scott, and Richardson in the mix, Carolina hopes to strengthen its secondary heading into the 2025 season.
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