Carolina Panthers Announce Signing of 19 UDFAs and Several Draft Picks: Building the Future of the Franchise

The Carolina Panthers, in their ongoing rebuild, have made significant moves this offseason by signing 19 undrafted free agents (UDFAs) alongside several draft picks from the 2025 NFL Draft. The team, which has been in a period of transition, is hoping these additions will help shape the future of the franchise, creating both immediate and long-term impacts. While draft picks often garner the most attention, UDFAs have proven to be invaluable assets in the NFL, often providing teams with key contributors at a fraction of the cost.

The Panthers’ strategy in 2025 seems focused on building depth, fostering competition across the roster, and developing young players to eventually fill major roles. This offseason marks a crucial point in the Panthers’ rebuilding process, where these new signings—whether drafted or undrafted—could form the foundation of the team’s success for years to come.

Before diving into the specifics of the Panthers’ new signings, it’s essential to understand the unique role that UDFAs play in the NFL. These players go through the draft process but are ultimately passed over by all 32 teams for various reasons. Some may have injury concerns, others might not fit perfectly into a given scheme, or they simply didn’t have enough exposure during their college careers. Despite being overlooked during the draft, UDFAs often make significant contributions to NFL teams.

Over the years, numerous undrafted players have become stars in the league, including players like Antonio Undrafted Free Agent Brown (wide receiver), Arian Foster (running back), and the Panthers’ own success story in Steve Smith Sr., a Hall of Famer who started his career as an undrafted player. These stories serve as a reminder that talent doesn’t always come with a first-round draft pick, and it’s often the late bloomers, the underdogs, and the diamonds in the rough who shine brightest on the field.

For a team like the Panthers, who are in the middle of a rebuild under a new coaching staff, UDFAs offer a chance to find those hidden gems. The financial advantage of signing undrafted players is also significant, as they come at a cheaper cost compared to their drafted counterparts. With the salary cap always a concern for teams, signing UDFAs allows the Panthers to bolster their roster without committing large amounts of cap space.

The 2025 NFL Draft was pivotal for the Panthers, who entered the draft with several needs, particularly in skill positions and depth across the defensive side of the ball. Their selections reflect a clear strategy: to continue developing around young, versatile talent while ensuring the team remains competitive in both the short and long term.

Carolina’s draft haul included key positions such as quarterback, wide receiver, and defensive line, all of which were seen as critical to the team’s success in the upcoming season.

• Round 1: The Panthers selected Drake Maye, a highly touted signal-caller from the University of North Carolina. His selection in the first round signals that the Panthers are committed to finding their quarterback of the future, especially after the departure of long-time veteran Andy Dalton. Maye possesses a strong arm, excellent mobility, and the ability to process defenses quickly, making him an ideal fit for the Panthers’ system. The expectations are high, and Carolina is betting that their investment will pay off with a franchise quarterback.
• Round 2: In the second round, Carolina addressed their wide receiver need by picking Jordan Addison from the University of Southern California. Known for his elite speed and ball-tracking ability, Addison will add an explosive element to the Panthers’ receiving corps. With established veterans on the roster, Addison could become a complementary weapon in the passing game, providing a deep threat that allows the offense to stretch the field.
• Round 3: The Panthers went to work on the defensive side with the selection of Mazi Smith, a standout defensive tackle from the University of Michigan. Smith has a reputation for his ability to clog up running lanes and collapse the pocket as a pass rusher. In a division that features several strong offensive lines, the addition of a player like Smith could provide the Panthers with much-needed disruption in the trenches.

Each of these selections provides the Panthers with immediate and future value, but it’s not just the draft picks that will shape this roster. The UDFAs could very well end up making just as big an impact.

The Panthers have signed 19 UDFAs to compete for spots on their 2025 roster. Some of these players may eventually land on the practice squad or special teams, but a few could emerge as key contributors. Below are a few of the most intriguing UDFAs the Panthers have added.

• Kadeem Telfort – Offensive Lineman, University of Miami: Telfort, a former standout at the University of Miami, is a massive offensive lineman standing at 6’6″ and weighing 340 pounds. Telfort started for multiple years at left tackle and showcased a powerful blocking style, making him an ideal candidate to compete for a spot on the Panthers’ offensive line. His size and strength make him a viable option to bolster the depth on the line, especially given the team’s need for improving protection around the quarterback. Telfort’s development will be key as he works to make an impact in training camp.
• Dorian Thompson-Robinson – Quarterback, UCLA: Thompson-Robinson, a dual-threat quarterback out of UCLA, is another interesting addition to the Panthers’ roster. While the team already drafted Drake Maye in the first round, Thompson-Robinson offers versatility and the ability to contribute as a backup or even in specific situational plays. Thompson-Robinson had a solid career at UCLA, rushing for over 700 yards and throwing for over 3,000 yards in his senior season. His mobility and ability to extend plays could make him a valuable asset in the Panthers’ quarterback room.
• Jalen Moreno-Cropper – Wide Receiver, Fresno State: Moreno-Cropper is another undrafted player with potential to break out. A speedy wide receiver who consistently excelled at Fresno State, he put up impressive stats, totaling over 1,000 yards receiving in his final college season. His ability to separate from defenders and make contested catches downfield makes him a good fit for the Panthers, especially if they are looking for a complementary piece to go alongside their top-tier wideouts. While he may face stiff competition, his agility and sharp route running could make him an intriguing candidate to earn a roster spot.
• Chris Smith – Linebacker, Alabama: Smith brings a wealth of experience and leadership to the Panthers’ linebacker corps. After a standout career at Alabama, Smith made a name for himself as a sideline-to-sideline linebacker with excellent tackling ability. His football IQ and understanding of defensive schemes will make him an asset for the Panthers’ special teams, and he could very well compete for a starting role in the linebacker rotation. As a UDFA, Smith will need to impress in camp, but his pedigree and experience give him a strong chance of making the team.

While these players may not have been drafted, they all bring something unique to the table and could end up surprising people once they get into camp and begin competing for roster spots.

The Panthers entered the 2025 offseason with a clear need to build depth and create competition across the roster. These UDFAs and draft picks are all part of a larger plan to create a well-rounded, competitive team. From a roster construction standpoint, the Panthers are focusing on ensuring that there are multiple options at key positions, giving the coaching staff flexibility and the ability to develop players at various stages of their careers.

The addition of Drake Maye addresses the long-term need for a franchise quarterback, while Jordan Addison and Mazi Smith aim to immediately strengthen the team in areas that were previously lacking. On the other hand, the UDFAs represent an effort to develop under-the-radar players who could surprise and fill important roles in the team’s rotation.

It’s difficult to predict exactly how each of these players will perform, but the Panthers’ front office is betting that several of these new additions will make an immediate impact. The 2025 season will be an important one for the team, and the contributions of rookies—both drafted and undrafted—could determine the success of their rebuilding effort. The Panthers will be hoping for significant development from their young players, especially as they face an increasingly competitive NFC South division.

While the UDFAs are unlikely to all make the final 53-man roster, some will contribute in key areas like special teams or as depth players. Those who don’t make the roster this year will likely find a place on the practice squad, where they can continue to develop for future seasons.

Looking beyond 2025, the Panthers are setting themselves up for a bright future. The infusion of young talent, combined with the development of these UDFAs and the growth of their drafted players, could lay the groundwork for sustained success. With key positions like quarterback, wide receiver, and defensive line addressed, the Panthers are building a roster that is flexible and deep, something that is essential for long-term success in the NFL.

The coaching staff, led by head coach Frank Reich, will be tasked with developing these players, pushing them to reach their full potential. The next few years will be critical for the Panthers as they look to find consistency and build a team that can challenge for playoff spots and, ultimately, championships.

The signing of 19 UDFAs and the selection of several impactful players in the 2025 NFL Draft highlight the Carolina Panthers’ commitment to building a team with a mix of fresh talent, competition, and depth. The road to becoming a contender is long, but with the right blend of young players, including undrafted free agents who are often overlooked by other teams, the Panthers are positioning themselves for future success.

The 2025 season promises to be an exciting one for the Panthers and their fans, as these new signings could prove to be the key to the team’s transformation and, hopefully, its return to playoff contention. The journey of the underdogs and the drafted rookies alike is only just beginning, and the Panthers will be closely watching how these players develop over the next few months.