Tag: Johnny Hekker

Carolina Panthers players who are free agents in 2025

With the trade deadline now behind us, let’s take a look at the Panthers who are set to become free agents following the 2024 season:

(This story was updated to add new information.)

The 2024 NFL trade deadline has come and gone, and it didn’t go without a few moves from the Carolina Panthers.

Last week, the team shipped off wideout Diontae Johnson to the Baltimore Ravens in a trade involving a late-round pick swap for the 2025 draft. And yesterday, in a much more favorable return, they sent fellow receiver Jonathan Mingo over to the Dallas Cowboys.

So now that those departures are official, we could start looking ahead towards free agency for quite a few more.

Here are Panthers whose contracts are set to expire following the season:

  • QB Andy Dalton
  • RB Chuba Hubbard (Signed four-year extension)
  • RB Raheem Blackshear (RFA)
  • WR David Moore
  • WR Jalen Coker (ERFA)
  • TE Tommy Tremble
  • TE Ian Thomas
  • TE Feleipe Franks (RFA)
  • OL Brady Christensen
  • OL Cade Mays
  • C Austin Corbett
  • DL LaBryan Ray
  • DL DeShawn Williams
  • DL Jonathan Harris
  • DL Raequan Williams (ERFA)
  • OLB Charles Harris
  • OLB Thomas Incoom
  • OLB Cam Gill
  • ILB Shaq Thompson
  • CB Mike Jackson
  • CB Lonnie Johnson Jr.
  • CB Anthony Brown
  • S Xavier Woods
  • S Jordan Fuller
  • S Sam Franklin Jr.
  • S Nick Scott
  • S Demani Richardson (ERFA)
  • K Eddy Piñeiro
  • P Johnny Hekker
  • LS JJ Jansen

*RFA = Restricted free agent
*ERFA = Exclusive rights free agent

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Panthers players react to their 1st win of 2024 season

The Panthers took some much-needed, well-deserved victory laps on social media after their upset of the Raiders.

Not many folks believed the Carolina Panthers had much of a chance to pick up their first win of the 2024 season on Sunday. Well, guess what?

The Panthers pounded their way to a 36-22 victory in Week 3 over the Las Vegas Raiders. Led by a sparkling performance by new starting quarterback Andy Dalton, Carolina hit on pretty much all cylinders to pull off the stunning upset.

And, rightfully so, the team took some much-needed and well-deserved victory laps on Twitter/X following the triumph . . .

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Panthers Week 2 inactives: 6 players ruled out vs. Chargers

All of Friday’s questionable Panthers will be in uniform for the home opener.

The questionables are questionable no more.

Friday’s injury report ahead of the Week 2 matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers featured five players the Carolina Panthers deemed as questionable. But, as expected, all five will be in uniform this afternoon.

Included in the bunch is starting tight end Tommy Tremble, who is on track to make his 2024 debut today. Rookie and fourth-round pick Ja’Tavion Sanders got the start in last week’s regular-season opener in place of Tremble, who has been dealing with hamstring and back issues.

Along with Tremble, the Panthers will also have running back and return specialist Raheem Blackshear (personal), left guard Damien Lewis (groin), outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney (ankle) and punter Johnny Hekker (back).

Here, however, are the six inactives for Carolina:

  • RB Mike Boone
  • TE Messiah Swinson
  • G Jarrett Kingston
  • C Andrew Raym
  • CB Shemar Bartholomew
  • CB Chau Smith-Wade

And for Los Angeles . . .

  • QB Taylor Heinicke
  • RB Kimani Vidal
  • WR Brenden Rice
  • OL Jordan McFadden
  • DL Justin Eboigbe
  • CB Tarheeb Still
  • S Alohi Gilman

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Panthers Week 2 injury report: 5 players questionable for home opener vs. Chargers

A handful of Panthers are listed as questionable for Sunday’s home opener against the Chargers.

The Carolina Panthers have a handful of question marks entering their home opener this weekend.

Friday’s injury report, the final listing ahead of the Week 2 matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers, deemed five players as questionable for Sunday. Those players include running back and return specialist Raheem Blackshear (personal), tight end Tommy Tremble (hamstring/back), starting right tackle Taylor Moton (knee), starting right guard Damien Lewis (groin) and punter Johnny Hekker (back).

Head coach Dave Canales, however, told reporters following today’s practice that he expects all of the questionables to play.

Five others were down without injury designations for the contest. That bunch included veteran wideout Adam Thielen, who was a full participant despite being added to the report this afternoon.

Injury Wednesday Thursday Friday Game status
P Johnny Hekker Back DNP Limited Full Questionable
OLB Jadeveon Clowney Ankle DNP Limited Full –
G Robert Hunt Shoulder Limited Limited Limited –
G Damien Lewis Groin Limited Limited Limited Questionable
OT Yosh Nijman Tibia Limited Full Limited –
TE Tommy Tremble Hamstring/back Limited Limited Limited Questionable
RB Raheem Blackshear Personal DNP DNP Questionable
OT Taylor Moton Rest/knee DNP Limited Questionable
ILB Josey Jewell Groin Limited Limited –
WR Adam Thielen Shoulder Full –

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Panthers add starting ILB Josey Jewell to injury report on Thursday

The Panthers added three players to their injury report on Thursday, including ILB Josey Jewell.

The Carolina Panthers added a trio of new faces to their Week 2 injury report on Thursday. Only one, however, could be a cause for concern.

Starting inside linebacker Josey Jewell popped up on this afternoon’s listing with a groin issue. The seventh-year veteran was down as a limited participant for today’s practice.

Jewell’s addition was joined by that of offensive tackle Taylor Moton and running back/return specialist Raheem Blackshear. Both absences, however, were not injury-related—as Moton received rest and Blackshear was away due to personal reasons.

In a bit of good news, three players received a bump in their statuses—offensive tackle Yosh Nijman, outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney and punter Johnny Hekker.

Injury Wednesday Thursday Friday Game status
P Johnny Hekker Back DNP Limited
OLB Jadeveon Clowney Ankle DNP Limited
G Robert Hunt Shoulder Limited Limited
G Damien Lewis Groin Limited Limited
OT Yosh Nijman Tibia Limited Full
TE Tommy Tremble Hamstring/back Limited Limited
RB Raheem Blackshear Personal DNP
OT Taylor Moton Rest DNP
ILB Josey Jewell Groin Limited

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Panthers TE Tommy Tremble returns to practice on Wednesday

After missing Sunday’s opener, Panthers TE Tommy Tremble returned to the practice field this afternoon.

The Carolina Panthers really could’ve used some good news after learning that they’ve lost Pro Bowl defensive lineman Derrick Brown for the season. And fortunately, they got a little light on Wednesday.

Starting tight end Tommy Tremble, who missed Sunday’s regular-season opener due to a hamstring injury, returned to the practice field this afternoon. In addition to Tremble, the 47-10 loss did not feature fellow tight end Ian Thomas—one of nine Panthers currently on an injured reserve list.

In Tremble’s place was rookie Ja’Tavion Sanders, who received the starting nod in his NFL debut. The 2024 fourth-round pick recorded one catch for four yards.

Carolina, however, did not have outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney (ankle) and punter Johnny Hekker (back) down as participants for today’s session.

Here is the first injury report of the week ahead of Sunday’s matchup with the Los Angeles Chargers:

Injury Wednesday Thursday Friday Game status
P Johnny Hekker Back DNP
OLB Jadeveon Clowney Ankle DNP
G Robert Hunt Shoulder Limited
G Damien Lewis Groin Limited
OT Yosh Nijman Tibia Limited
TE Tommy Tremble Hamstring/back Limited

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Initial 53-man roster projection for the 2024 Panthers

Here is our final projection for the Panthers’ initial 2024 53-man roster:

Now that the preseason is officially in the books, the Carolina Panthers have another task to tackle—the big cutdown.

Between now and 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday, the Panthers and the rest of the NFL’s 31 teams must get down to their initial 53-player rosters.

Here is our final projection for Carolina’s initial 53:

Quarterbacks (2)

In: Bryce Young, Andy Dalton
Out: Jack Plummer

Plummer impressed in the summer finale, completing 21 of his 29 passes for 278 yards and two touchdowns. But that still won’t be enough to devote a third spot on the roster to a quarterback.

Running backs (4)

In: Chuba Hubbard, Miles Sanders, Raheem Blackshear, Mike Boone
Out: Jaden Shirden
Reserve/NFI list: Jonathon Brooks

Boone has benefitted from the inactivity of both Blackshear and Brooks, who isn’t expected back for at least a handful of weeks into the regular season. And luckily for the former, his successful track record as a kick returner keeps him around.

Wide receivers (6)

In: Diontae Johnson, Adam Thielen, Xavier Legette, Jonathan Mingo, Ihmir Smith-Marsette, David Moore
Out: Terrace Marshall Jr., Michael Strachan, Jalen Coker, Sam Pinckney

The sixth and final spot came down to Marshall Jr. and Moore. Moore’s experience on special teams and his previous history with head coach Dave Canales in both Seattle and Tampa Bay give him the edge.

Tight ends (4)

In: Tommy Tremble, Ian Thomas, Ja’Tavion Sanders, Jordan Matthews
Out: Feleipe Franks, Jacob Hollister, Jesper Horsted

Matthews earned his spot with a spectacular summer. The 32-year-old opened the preseason with a team-high 48 receiving yards in New England and ended it with a touchdown to kick off the last outing in Buffalo.

Offensive linemen (9)

In: Ikem Ekwonu, Damien Lewis, Austin Corbett, Robert Hunt, Taylor Moton, Brady Christensen, Yosh Nijman, Cade Mays, Chandler Zavala
Out: Ricky Lee, Jeremiah Crawford, Mason Brooks, Andrew Raym, Jack Anderson, Ike Boettger, Tyler Smith

Given that he’s the only true center on the roster, Raym has a shot to stick on. But the versatility of backups such as Nijman, Christensen and Mays allows the Panthers to keep the number of hog mollies at nine.

Defensive linemen (5)

In: Derrick Brown, A’Shawn Robinson, Shy Tuttle, Nick Thurman, LaBryan Ray
Out: Jaden Crumedy, T.J. Smith, Ulomoo Ale, Jayden Peevy, Walter Palmore, Junior Aho

Crumedy, the team’s sixth-round selection from this spring, could be in trouble while dealing a high-ankle sprain. So could Smith, who’d be a favorite to sneak back on as a practice squad member after recording a pair of sacks this preseason.

Outside linebackers (5)

In: Jadeveon Clowney, K’Lavon Chaisson, DJ Johnson, Eku Leota, Luiji Vilain
Out: Cam Gill, Derrick McLendon, Kenny Dyson
Reserve/Physically unable to perform list: D.J. Wonnum, Amaré Barno

Vilain and Gill could be battling for the fifth locker. But if it actually doesn’t go to either, look for the Panthers to pick up a pass rusher off the street.

Inside linebackers (4)

In: Shaq Thompson, Josey Jewell, Trevin Wallace, Claudin Cherelus
Out: Chandler Wooten, Tae Davis, Aaron Beasley

Canales does not take special teams prowess for granted. Cherelus and Wooten could claim spots with theirs.

Cornerbacks (6)

In: Jaycee Horn, Michael Jackson, Troy Hill, Chau Smith-Wade, Dicaprio Bootle, D’Shawn Jamison
Out: Willie Drew, Chris Wilcox, Quandre Mosely
Injured: Dane Jackson

The “significant” hamstring injury to Jackson (Dane, that is) could force the Panthers to keep a few outside options—including both Bootle and Jamison.

Safeties (5)

In: Xavier Woods, Jordan Fuller, Nick Scott, Jammie Robinson, Alex Cook
Out: Demani Richardson, Rudy Ford
Injured: Sam Franklin Jr.

As Canales has stated, there’s no replacing Franklin Jr.—who will be out for quite a bit while healing up a broken foot. Cook, however, could give the Panthers a little bit back on special teams.

Specialists (3)

In: Eddy Piñeiro, Johnny Hekker, JJ Jansen

Well, nothing to see here.

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Panthers P Johnny Hekker hits Patriots returner with ‘too small’ taunt

When you’re a 6-foot-5, 225-pound punter, you can pull out the ol’ “too small” celebration.

There weren’t many, if any, highlights to take away for the Carolina Panthers in their lackluster preseason opener against the New England Patriots. But the 17-3 loss on Thursday night did at least give us one laugh.

That chuckle came courtesy of punter Johnny Hekker, who pulled out the ol’ “too short” taunt after picking up a stop on Patriots wide receiver and returner David Wallis . . .

The 13th-year punter whiffed on a tackle attempt on one of his earlier boots, an effort that didn’t go unnoticed to those watching. So perhaps Hekker was feeling quite good about getting some redemption upon walling Wallis.

He may have earned the right to do so anyway, as the 34-year-old was trotted out for a total of 10 punts on the night. Hekker averaged 46.4 yards per attempt with a long of 58.

Oh, and he’s not factually incorrect about the “too small” gesture either. Hekker measures in at a pretty big 6-foot-5, 225 pounds, with Wallis at six-foot and 184 pounds.

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Panthers projected depth chart heading into 2024 training camp

You may want to keep this projected depth chart handy ahead of the Panthers’ 2024 training camp.

Summer break is nearly over for the Carolina Panthers.

On Friday, rookies will report back to Charlotte for the start of this year’s training camp. They’ll be followed by the veterans after the weekend, who will be in right before the first outing of practice on Wednesday.

But what do the team’s pecking orders look like across the program as of now?

Here is our full projected depth chart for Carolina’s current 90-man roster heading into camp:

Offense:

1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th 7th
QB Bryce Young Andy Dalton Jack Plummer
RB Chuba Hubbard Miles Sanders Jonathon Brooks Raheem Blackshear Rashaad Penny Mike Boone Jaden Shirden
WR Diontae Johnson Jonathan Mingo David Moore Cam Sims Sam Pinckney
WR Xavier Legette Terrace Marshall Jr. Michael Strachan Jalen Coker Daewood Davis
SWR Adam Thielen Ihmir Smith-Marsette
TE Tommy Tremble Ian Thomas Stephen Sullivan Ja’Tavion Sanders Jordan Matthews
LT Ikem Ekwonu Yosh Nijman Ricky Lee Jeremiah Crawford
LG Damien Lewis Cade Mays
C Austin Corbett Brady Christensen Andrew Raym
RG Robert Hunt Chandler Zavala Nash Jensen J.D. DiRenzo
RT Taylor Moton Badara Traore Christian Duffie

Defense:

1st 2nd 3rd 4th
DE Derrick Brown LaBryan Ray T.J. Smith Junior Aho
DT Shy Tuttle Nick Thurman Ulumoo Ale
DE A’Shawn Robinson Jaden Crumedy Popo Aumavae
OLB Jadeveon Clowney K’Lavon Chaisson Amaré Barno Eku Leota Derrick McLendon
ILB Shaq Thompson Trevin Wallace Chandler Wooten Claudin Cherelus
ILB Josey Jewell Tae Davis Michael Barrett Jackson Mitchell
OLB D.J. Wonnum DJ Johnson Cam Gill Luiji Vilain Kenny Dyson Jr.
CB Jaycee Horn D’Shawn Jamison Lamar Jackson
CB Dane Jackson Dicaprio Bootle Willie Drew
SS Xavier Woods Jammie Robinson Sam Franklin Jr. Demani Richardson Clayton Isbell
FS Jordan Fuller Nick Scott Alex Cook
NCB Troy Hill Chau Smith-Wade

Special teams:

1st 2nd
K Eddy Piñeiro Harrison Mevis
P Johnny Hekker
LS JJ Jansen
KR Raheem Blackshear Ihmir Smith-Marsette Xavier Legette
PR Ihmir Smith-Marsette Xavier Legette

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New Panthers STC Tracy Smith praises his unit’s toughness

Panthers special teams coordinator Tracy Smith spoke about the toughness and spirit of his unit.

New Carolina Panthers special teams coordinator Tracy Smith hasn’t been around his guys long, but he already knows what he’s got to work with.

Smith, while in the fourth day of the offseason workout program, spoke with reporters earlier this afternoon. He was asked how he thinks he can build around the core group of special teamers in his first season for Carolina.

“A really tough group,” Smith said in describing the players. “Physical, fast, tough group. Met ’em throughout this week. And guys that care about the game. I’ve known Johnny Hekker on and off for years and years. Had some nightmare plays against Johnny—like 2012-ish, or ’13. JJ [Jansen]—every year that I’ve been in, he’s been in. So have some relationship with those guys, also a little bit with Eddy [Piñeiro] as well.

“But this was not an underperforming group. This is a good group of guys. Expect them to keep their level of intensity and play the same. And the spirit from all of them has been great.”

Smith was hired back on Feb. 8. He comes in with 15 years of NFL experience—with stops for the Seattle Seahawks, the Cleveland Browns, the San Francisco 49ers, the then-Oakland Raiders and the Houston Texans.

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