5 Panthers UDFAs who might sneak onto 2025 roster before anyone notices

Keep an eye on these undrafted free agents.

Undrafted free agents have it tougher than most. But the Carolina Panthers have proven over the years that if they impress enough, they'll be rewarded.

This proved true again last season. The Panthers had two hopefuls who caught the eye after they didn't hear their names called during the 2024 NFL Draft. Wide receiver Jalen Coker and safety Demani Richardson managed to fight their way onto the squad. They also performed well above expectations when called upon, which could be enough for increased involvement next time around.

The Panthers will be hoping for the same again with their 2025 crop. It'll be more challenging as the roster improves in strength and depth. However, Dan Morgan and Dave Canales are eager to enhance competition across the board.

Nothing will be given. Everything will be earned. Veterans on the roster bubble must improve or face losing their spots to younger, cheaper players if they manage to stand out.

It's always one of the more fascinating aspects to watch over the summer. With this in mind, here are five Panthers undrafted free agents who could potentially sneak their way onto the 53-man roster in 2025.

Carolina Panthers undrafted free agents who could steal roster spots in 2025

Jack Henderson - Carolina Panthers S

The Carolina Panthers could have an opening within their secondary for another young safety upstart to go alongside the options available. Those in power spent big money on Tre'von Moehrig in free agency and drafted Lathan Ransom, but only Nick Scott and Demani Richardson should be considered for the roster aside from that.

He'll need to make an imposing start when preparations for the new campaign gather pace, but Jack Henderson has the versatility and physical prowess that look tailor-made for Ejiro Evero's 3-4 defensive scheme. The former Minnesota standout has experience as a cornerback, whether that's on the boundary or in the slot. He's also spent time as a box safety and even at the defensive second level when the situation dictates.

That is not a bad foundation from which to build. Henderson's ferociousness at the contact point needs no introduction. He's a formidable presence against the run, and his 9.37 relative athletic score ranked extremely favorably among other safeties in this class.

There are some technical flaws that must be rectified. Even so, Henderson has the athleticism and instincts to potentially become a major asset on special teams while developing other areas of his game.

It could go either way for Henderson. But it's not hard to see why the Panthers want to examine his physical attributes in greater detail.

Ryan Fitzgerald - Carolina Panthers PK

It's all change at the kicking position this season. Eddy Pineiro wasn't brought back by the Carolina Panthers after an inconsistent campaign in 2024. Matthew Wright came in as the new veteran presence, but most fans thought competition would be arriving at some stage.

That came via undrafted free agency. The Panthers moved swiftly to secure the services of Ryan Fitzgerald, who many thought would be drafted late in the process before failing to hear his name called. That worked out pretty well for Carolina, especially if he forces his way onto the roster.

Fitzgerald improved with every college season at Florida State. He didn't miss an extra point over his final two campaigns. He hit 100 percent of his field goals during his final year with the Seminoles. The accuracy and leg strength look NFL-ready, so fans will be watching his progress closely over the summer.

Wright won't be giving up the No. 1 spot without a fight. But for the Panthers' long-term outlook, Fitzgerald winning the job represents the best-case scenario for the organization.

The life of a kicker is precarious. Panthers fans saw another undrafted free agent, Harrison Mevis, start well last year before tailing off dramatically. Fitzgerald is hoping to avoid a similar fate en route to the 53-man roster.

Bam Martin-Scott - Carolina Panthers LB

The Panthers' linebacking corps lost a hugely influential figure this offseason. Dan Morgan opted not to bring back team leader Shaq Thompson after two luckless years on the injury front. They haven't done much to fortify the unit, which indicates confidence in Josey Jewell and Trevin Wallace to pick up the slack.

Christian Rozeboom was signed to a one-year deal in free agency. He's got previous experience working within Ejiro Evero's defensive scheme and gained 135 tackles with the Los Angeles Rams in 2024. However, the cupboard is relatively bare aside from that.

Positions lower down the depth chart will be earned. Those who impress over the summer and during Carolina's preseason engagements are going to be rewarded accordingly. Bam Martin-Scott has an opportunity to sneak onto the roster if everything goes well.

Martin-Scott excels as a coverage linebacker. He's got the explosiveness needed to be utilized effectively on blitz packages, and the speed in pursuit of ball-carriers should make a successful transition from college to the pros. The former South Carolina standout also emerged as a strong leadership presence with the Gamecocks, which is only going to help his cause.

If Martin-Scott can improve his instincts and play recognition, he's got a shot.

Luka Kandra - Carolina Panthers OL

Dan Morgan rightfully kept faith with the offensive linemen who gave so much to the cause in 2024. Not many expected the Carolina Panthers to run it back with everybody, but re-signing Austin Corbett, Cade Mays, and Brady Christensen represents a significant coup that maintains continuity in a position of strength.

The Panthers' offensive line is pretty set as a result. Ikem Ekwonu and Taylor Moton are the bookend tackle tandem. Robert Hunt and Damien Lewis quickly became one of the league's most imposing guard partnerships. Mays and Corbett will fight it out for the starting center spot. Christensen is the versatile backup capable of playing anywhere. Yosh Nijman took a pay cut to stick around as Carolina's swing tackle option.

One would expect Chandler Zavala to make the roster after his notable improvements when called upon in Year 2. That leaves room for one or two more. Although it'll be tough, Luke Kandra could shake things up by impressing over the summer.

Kandra accumulated plenty of starting experience in college. He's explosive to the contact point and boasts a high-level football IQ capable of identifying stunts and shifts quickly. There's also a lot to like about his ability at the second level on pulls, but his play strength must improve before confidence increases.

Jacolby George - Carolina Panthers WR

The Panthers waited until the 2025 NFL Draft to bolster the weapons around quarterback Bryce Young. Dan Morgan prioritized the defense in free agency, and rightfully so. The general manager felt he could add more explosiveness to the offensive side of things from the college ranks, which he successfully achieved.

Tetairoa McMillan was the high-profile arrival at No. 8 overall. The Panthers spent their final selection on Jimmy Horn Jr., whose elusiveness and versatility could impact the rotation and the kick return game with a smooth transition.

Although it went relatively under the radar compared to others, the Panthers also believe Jacolby George might be able to carve out a role for himself. The former Miami star was a coveted undrafted free agent, and Carolina gave him more guaranteed money than a sixth-round selection to get him into the franchise. That brings intrigue, and the pass-catcher reportedly got off to a good start over the team's rookie minicamp to raise anticipation further.

George is a good player. Forcing his way onto the wide receiver rotation will be difficult. Still, there's also a chance he could end up being this year's Jalen Coker for the Panthers if everything goes according to plan or better than expected.

The Panthers gave George a huge vote of confidence. Repaying this faith is crucial.