The Carolina Panthers reportedly have their latest first-round pick under contract.
According to Mike Kaye of The Charlotte Observer, offensive tackle Monroe Freeling has inked his rookie deal on Thursday. The signing comes just before the start of the team’s rookie minicamp, which will run on Friday and Saturday.
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Freeling was taken by the Panthers with this year’s 19th overall selection. The Charleston, S.C. native was a second-team All-SEC member for the Georgia Bulldogs in 2025, where he made 13 starts on the blindside.
General manager Dan Morgan explained why, even with 2022 sixth overall pick Ikem Ekwonu and free-agent signee Rasheed Walker on the roster, he went with another left tackle.
“Best player on our board,” Morgan stated when describing Freeling to reporters two weeks ago. “Big, long, athletic, physical, a guy with high upside that we’re extremely excited about. I think he can play left side, he can play right side. Brings a lot of value to us. So, yeah, we’re really excited.”
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This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: 2026 NFL Draft: OT Monroe Freeling signs with Panthers on Thursday
