Panthers officially sign new OLB on Tuesday

The Carolina Panthers kept themselves rather busy today. As officially announced this afternoon, the team has signed outside linebacker Nick Hampton. Hampton, an Anderson, S.

C. native and Westside High School alum, attended Appalachian State University from 2018 to 2022. The local defender ended his stay in Boone, N.

C. with a pair of standout campaigns—as he was named a third-team All-Sun Belt selection in 2021 and a first-team All-Sun Belt selection in 2022. He would be selected by the Los Angeles Rams in the fifth round of the 2023 NFL Draft.

Hampton has appeared mostly on special teams through 2025, totaling 17 combined tackles and two passes defensed over 36 career games. Along with the addition of Hampton, the Panthers also solidified the signing of tight end Feleipe Franks as well as their trade of quarterback Andy Dalton on Tuesday. Follow our free agency tracker for all the latest moves.