Will the Panthers Still Pursue Heisman Trophy Finalist Following Legal Troubles?

Carolina needs another running back following the loss of Jonathan Brooks

The Carolina Panthers find themselves at a crossroads regarding their pursuit of former Arizona State running back Cam Skattebo, following the news of a lawsuit filed against him by a former teammate.

While Skattebo was initially a target for the Panthers during the NFL Scouting Combine, his legal troubles and the complications surrounding his availability may alter the team's potential big board for the upcoming draft.

The lawsuit stems from an incident on the Arizona State practice field, where Skattebo allegedly jumped onto the back of a golf cart, causing it to collapse and resulting in a serious injury to teammate Mattheos Katergaris. Despite numerous attempts to serve him with the lawsuit, Skattebo has reportedly been difficult to locate, prompting a judge to allow service via a notice in a local newspaper. This evasive behavior only adds to the uncertainty surrounding his draft prospects.

For the Panthers, the running back position presents a complex situation ahead of the 2025 NFL season. Chuba Hubbard is set to remain the starter, but depth behind him is a significant concern. Jonathon Brooks, a second-round pick from last year, will miss the entire season with a torn ACL, and Miles Sanders is a potential cut candidate. The team is considering restructuring Sanders' contract, but if a cut does happen, it would be post-June 1, necessitating a backup plan at running back.

Skattebo's on-field performance is undeniable. He was a standout during the 2024 college football season, helping Arizona State reach the College Football Playoffs and nearly securing victory with his versatile play. His statistics were remarkable, with 338 touches, 2,316 total yards, and 24 touchdowns, showcasing his dual-threat capability as a rusher and receiver. These numbers position him as a potential late-round sleeper in the draft.

However, the Panthers must weigh the risk of drafting a player facing legal uncertainties and who may not be fully focused on football. With Hubbard and Brooks already on the roster, and Sanders' status in flux, it might make more sense for the Panthers to explore other running back options or allocate draft capital to more pressing needs.