The Carolina Panthers have retained another member of their special teams unit as the fourth week of NFL free agency is underway. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Panthers have re-signed veteran running back/return specialist Raheem Blackshear to a one-year deal.
Panthers reached agreement on a one-year deal with RB Raheem Blackshear. A return to Carolina.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 1, 2025
Last week, Mike Kaye of Charlotte Observer reported that the Panthers and Blackshear had “mutual interest,” but the special teams ace was also receiving interest from elsewhere in the league.
Last month, before the legal tampering period, Carolina did not tender Blackshear, a restricted free agent. This decision made the veteran running back an unrestricted free agent, allowing him to explore other options around the league.
Panthers fans are likely happy to see the two sides come to terms on a new deal, as Blackshear had his best season as a returner in 2024.
Last season, the 25-year-old running back led the NFL in kick returns (31) and was second in kick return yards (791) and yards per kick return (25.2). In Blackshear’s first three years with the Panthers, he averaged 26.3 yards per kickoff return.
Along with handling kickoff returns, Blackshear has been utilized on punt returns throughout his Panthers’ career, averaging 8.7 yards per return.
The 5-foot-9 running back has also seen some time on offense with the Panthers, but not much since he’s been their RB3 over the years. Blackshear has 341 scrimmage yards and three total touchdowns. Last season, the veteran running back had 80 yards on 15 carries and played six percent of offensive snaps.
Nonetheless, with Blackshear locked in for another year, the Panthers almost have their special teams unit locked in for 2025.
Last month, the team re-signed long snapper JJ Jansen and signed punter Sam Martin. The team hasn’t re-signed kicker Eddy Piñeiro but did sign Matthew Wright to a future/reserve deal in February.