Before NFL free agency began earlier this month, the Carolina Panthers decided not to tender running back/return specialist restricted free agent Raheem Blackshear. Blackshear would become an unrestricted free agent and be allowed to sign with any other team.
Fast forward three weeks into free agency, there hasn’t been much reported interest regarding the special teams ace.
However, Mike Kaye of Charlotte Observer reported on Thursday that there’s mutual interest between the Panthers and Blackshear. Kaye adds that the 25-year-old running back has interest elsewhere.
There is mutual interest between the #Panthers and free-agent RB/KR Raheem Blackshear, according to league sources.
— Mike Kaye (@mike_e_kaye) March 27, 2025
Blackshear, though, has interest elsewhere, I’m told. He was set to be a RFA but wasn’t tendered.
Carolina doesn’t have much in the way of returners right now.
It’s not shocking to see Carolina still being interested in re-signing Blackshear as they haven’t addressed the kick return position in free agency.
The 25-year-old special teams ace spent three years in Carolina after he was signed off the Buffalo Bills’ practice squad in Sept. 2022. During his three-year tenure with the Panthers, Blackshear averaged 26.3 yards per kickoff return and 8.7 yards per punt return.
Last season in Carolina, the 5-foot-9 running back had his best year as a returner. Blackshear led the league in kick returns (31), while ranking second in kick return yards (791) and yards per kick return (25.2).
In addition to his special teams duties, Blackshear has received some playing time on offense over the last three seasons. The 25-year-old running back has 341 yards from scrimmage and three total touchdowns.
With the 2025 NFL Draft on the horizon, it will be interesting to see if the two sides can agree on a new deal. Based on his performance last season, Carolina needs to bring him back.
The Panthers could always find a potential returner in the NFL draft or afterward during the UDFA period. However, why do that when Blackshear is coming off one of his best years as a pro, and you can keep away from other potential suitors?