The Carolina Panthers have signed all of their 2025 draft picks . . . except one.
With just a few days until the start of their organized team activities (OTAs), the Panthers have yet to officially lock in a contract for outside linebacker Nic Scourton.
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Scourton, the first of Carolina’s two second-round picks from last month, can still participate in the upcoming offseason workout program. And he did precisely that two weeks ago, during rookie minicamp.
But what’s the holdup on a deal? Are we in or headed towards a messy situation between the two sides?
Not so fast.
The delay may not have to do with Scourton and the Panthers themselves. The more likely explanation sits with the draftees who were taken ahead of the 20-year-old pass rusher.
As of now, 16 of the 18 second-round prospects selected before Scourton (51st overall) also remained unsigned. Those players are as follows:
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No. 50: TE Elijah Arroyo (Seattle Seahawks)
Now, what about the two of the 18 in this range who have signed? Well, that’s where the wrench was placed.
On May 8, Texans wide receiver Jayden Higgins (No. 34) became the first ever second-round pick to sign a fully-guaranteed contract. The Browns and linebacker Carson Schwesinger (No. 33) then followed up with another fully-guaranteed pact on the next day.
So, yeah, we’re in a bit of uncharted territory here.
The signings of second- and third-round picks are usually the most drawn out. They’re also often triggered by what happens with the rest of the field, sort of like a domino effect.
Between that prior history and the new history made by Higgins and Schwesinger, the dominoes have halted. Perhaps Emmanwori (No. 35), after seeing what No. 33 and No. 34 received, is posturing for a fully-guaranteed deal of his own.
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Quite simply—there’s no need to fret, Panthers fans. Scourton and his people are probably just waiting in line.
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This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: NFL draft: Why haven’t the Panthers signed OLB Nic Scourton yet?