Carolina Panthers Agree to Terms With Electric Second-Round Pick Nic Scourton, Defensive Juggernaut Set to Ignite NFL Stage

The Carolina Panthers have officially agreed to terms with second-round pick Nic Scourton, the explosive edge rusher out of Texas A&M who is poised to become a cornerstone of the franchise’s defensive resurgence. The deal, which was finalized following weeks of negotiations between Scourton’s representation and the Panthers’ front office, marks a pivotal moment in the team’s offseason as they continue building toward a brighter, more competitive future in the NFC South.

Scourton, selected 39th overall in the 2025 NFL Draft, was widely regarded as one of the top pass-rushing prospects in the nation, thanks to his dominant blend of size, speed, and football IQ. At 6-foot-4, 260 pounds, he brings a rare mix of physical power and finesse to the edge, and he’s already being touted as a Day 1 contributor for a Panthers defense hungry for playmakers.

While the financial details of the contract have not been officially disclosed, sources close to the negotiations confirm that the rookie signed a standard four-year deal, fully guaranteed, with a fifth-year team option. His contract falls in line with the NFL’s rookie wage scale and includes performance-based escalators and incentives that could increase its total value significantly.

Scourton’s journey to the NFL was anything but ordinary. A native of Bryan, Texas, he originally played for Purdue before transferring to Texas A&M for his final college season, where he quickly made a name for himself as one of the SEC’s most disruptive defensive forces. In 2024, he recorded 10.5 sacks and 18 tackles for loss, earning first-team All-SEC honors and emerging as a team leader in just one season with the Aggies.

Panthers general manager Dan Morgan and head coach Dave Canales made it clear after the draft that Scourton was one of their top targets. His combination of athleticism, versatility, and relentless motor made him a perfect fit for the aggressive, attacking defensive scheme that new defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero plans to implement in 2025.

“Nic is exactly the kind of player we want in this building,” Canales said in a team statement. “He’s a high-character young man who brings it every play. He loves football, he plays with passion, and he makes everyone around him better. We believe he has the potential to be a game-changer for us.”

Scourton’s arrival in Carolina couldn’t come at a better time. The Panthers finished near the bottom of the league in sacks last season, and their pass rush lacked the kind of consistent pressure needed to compete against elite quarterbacks. With Brian Burns having been traded to the Giants earlier in the offseason, the Panthers were in desperate need of a new edge presence—and Scourton was drafted to fill that void.

During rookie minicamp, Scourton wasted no time showing flashes of the explosiveness that made him a star in college. He demonstrated elite get-off speed, the ability to bend around tackles, and the kind of hand technique that often takes young pass rushers years to develop. Coaches were also impressed by his leadership qualities and willingness to absorb coaching.

“He’s a sponge,” Evero said during minicamp. “He wants to learn, he wants to be great. You can see it in how he studies film, how he prepares, and how he interacts with the vets. He’s not intimidated by the moment.”

Veteran defensive lineman Derrick Brown, one of the team’s foundational players, has taken Scourton under his wing, praising his humility and drive. “Nic’s got that fire you want to see in a young guy,” Brown said. “He’s got the tools, but more importantly, he’s got the mindset. He wants to earn everything, and that’s how you succeed in this league.”

Scourton has already drawn comparisons to former Panthers great Julius Peppers, not just because of his position or stature, but because of the way he can impact a game from the edge. While it’s far too early to anoint him as the next Peppers, there’s no doubt that expectations are sky-high.

The Panthers are in the early stages of a rebuild under Canales, and while second-year quarterback Bryce Young remains the centerpiece of that effort on the offensive side of the ball, Scourton could quickly emerge as the defensive face of the franchise. His ability to pressure the quarterback will be key in a division that features explosive offenses in Atlanta, New Orleans, and Tampa Bay.

Off the field, Scourton has already begun to endear himself to the Carolina community. He’s spoken publicly about wanting to be involved in outreach programs and has expressed excitement about playing in front of the passionate Panthers fan base at Bank of America Stadium.

“I’m just blessed to be here,” Scourton told reporters after signing his deal. “This is a dream come true for me and my family. I’m thankful to the Panthers for believing in me, and now it’s time to go to work. I’m here to help this team win, and I’m going to give it everything I’ve got every day.”

Scourton’s combination of production, athletic traits, and character made him one of the safest—and most exciting—picks of the 2025 draft. Several analysts had him pegged as a potential late first-rounder, and Carolina’s ability to land him early in the second round has been widely praised as one of the biggest steals of the draft.

“Getting Nic Scourton at 39 was highway robbery,” ESPN draft analyst Todd McShay said. “He’s got first-round talent and the kind of ceiling that’s through the roof. If he stays healthy, he’ll be a perennial Pro Bowl-caliber player.”

For a team that has struggled to consistently develop elite defensive talent in recent years, Scourton’s arrival represents a potential turning point. The Panthers now have a young core on defense that includes Brown, Jaycee Horn, and Jeremy Chinn, and Scourton is expected to be a foundational piece moving forward.

Training camp will offer the first real glimpse of how quickly Scourton can adapt to the NFL. While the Panthers are tempering expectations, it’s clear they view him as a plug-and-play defender who will be featured in multiple defensive looks. Whether standing up as an outside linebacker or lining up as a hand-in-the-dirt defensive end, Scourton is expected to line up across from some of the league’s top tackles right out of the gate.

The 2025 schedule doesn’t do Carolina any favors, with early matchups against powerful offensive lines like the Eagles, 49ers, and Bengals. But coaches believe Scourton is up to the task and won’t be fazed by the speed of the pro game.

“Nic’s a football player, plain and simple,” Canales said. “He’s not afraid of competition. He thrives on it. That’s why we drafted him, and that’s why we believe in him.”

With his contract signed, sealed, and delivered, all eyes now turn to the field. Nic Scourton is officially a Carolina Panther—and if his college career is any indication, he’s just getting started.