Panthers Take Wild Swing on Local Playmaker to Support Bryce Young

The Panthers signed former college basketball player Colin Granger just a few weeks before the 2025 NFL Draft.
Jan 5, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) runs for a touchdown against the Atlanta Falcons during the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Jan 5, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) runs for a touchdown against the Atlanta Falcons during the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. | Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

The Carolina Panthers haven’t made many additions to their offense this offseason, spending most of their free agent capital on defense.

The Panthers re-signed veteran wide receiver David Moore to a one-year, $1.4 million deal as a depth option and tight end Tommy Tremble to a two-year, $10.5 million extension. Carolina also bolstered their ground game, signing Rico Dowdle to a one-year worth of up to $6 million.

However, for Bryce Young to take another leap in Year 3, Carolina needs to add more weapons to their passing game. On Monday, the Panthers signed an intriguing playmaker, who will look to win a roster spot over the next several months.

Panthers Sign Former College Basketball Player Colin Granger

According to Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network, Carolina signed former Division 1 basketball player Colin Granger as a tight end. Pelissero adds that Granger played five years of collegiate ball at Ohio University, Western Carolina, and Coastal Carolina.

If you are the Panthers, it's worth taking a flyer on Granger to see if he can make some plays at OTAs and minicamp. At 6-foot-9, 245 pounds, he has the size to play tight end, but the Panthers’ brass will see if he can make the transition from the hardwood to the gridiron.

The Suwanee, Georgia, native spent his last season of college ball at Coastal Carolina. Granger averaged 7.2 points and 4.4 rebounds in 17.8 minutes per game. Over his five-year career, the 6-foot-8 big man grabbed 322 boards.

Granger will join a crowded Panthers’ tight end room, which features Tremble, Ja’Tavion Sanders, Jordan Matthews, James Mitchell, and Dominique Dafney.

Furthermore, Carolina would love for the former college basketball player to become the next Jimmy Graham, Antonio Gates, or Julius Thomas. Graham and Gates are on the higher end of the spectrum, but Thomas had a good career with the Denver Broncos.

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