With both the UFL and NFL in their offseason lulls, it's the perfect time to dive into some offseason content. As the UFL awaits the next wave of NFL signings for the 2026 player acquisition cycle, we're taking a look back at how each NFL team has utilized spring football as a developmental pipeline during the modern era of spring football since 2022. We continue the series with the Carolina Panthers, highlighting every spring league player the organization has signed over the past four years.
2022 Cycle:
The Panthers signed DB Tae Hayes (Birmingham Stallions), reuniting him with the Panthers for his second stint. Hayes would spend several weeks on their practice squad even earning a couple of elevations to the active roster. Hayes would be released during December of 2022 before signing with the New England Patriots a week later.
The Panthers also re-signed Taylor Bertolet for his second stint with the team, only to release him after four days on their practice squad.
2023 Cycle:
The Panthers would double their spring football investment in 2023 signing four players from the XFL and USFL. While Antwuan Jackson (Seattle Sea Dragons) and Gary Jennings (St. Louis Battlehawks) were both released during training camp, Jordan Thomas (Orlando Guardians) would spend several weeks with the Panthers transitioning from TE to LB.
The Panthers did find plenty of value in defensive end LaBryan Ray (Philadelphia Stars) who would spend the last three seasons with the Panthers before his sudden retirement this summer.
2024 Cycle:
The Panthers saw a series of signings post merger. Daewood Davis (Memphis Showboats), Kiondre Thomas (Houston Roughnecks) and Walter Palmore (Michigan Panthers) all of which would be released at the conclusion of training camp. WR Deon Cain (Birmingham Stallions) would earn a practice squad opportunity for several weeks before his release.
2025 Cycle:
The Panthers would sign 2025 UFL MVP QB Bryce Perkins (Michigan Panthers) due to some lingering issues in the quarterback room. Perkins would be released at the conclusion of training camp and has since joined the CFL’s Winnipeg Blue Bombers.
The Panthers have signed 13 spring football players since 2022, with LaBryan Ray being one the most reliable signing for Carolina. Currently the Panthers DL Cam Gill (Louisville Kings), DL Kyon Barrs (Houston Roughnecks) and WR Elijah Cooks (Birmingham Stallions) all remained rostered on the team. The Panthers have also played their first preseason and are currently dealing with plenty of injuries as the team moves into their second preseason game.