The Carolina Panthers didn't want to let these two guys go.
The Carolina Panthers re-signed two important players on Tuesday.
Carolina re-signed restricted free agent LaBryan Ray and unrestricted free agent Robert Rochell.
Ray appeared in 13 games for the Panthers last season. He put up seven solo tackles.
Meanwhile, Rochell played in four games for Carolina in 2025 following his trade from the Dallas Cowboys. He had two solo tackles.
The Panthers were 15th in the NFL last season in points per game allowed. They went 8-9 and won the NFC South. Carolina faced the Los Angeles Rams in the wild-card of the 2026 playoffs and lost at home, 34-31.
The Panthers could have an elite defense next season. On Day 1 of free agency, they added Jaelan Phillips and Devin Lloyd.
If Carolina's defense can be strong next season, Bryce Young and the offense won't have to carry a huge load. Young finished the 2025 season with 3,011 passing yards, 23 passing touchdowns, 11 interceptions, 216 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns. He led the Panthers to the playoffs for the first time since the 2017 campaign.
Young was the first overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. He has 8,291 passing yards, 49 passing touchdowns, 30 interceptions, 718 rushing yards and eight rushing touchdowns in a Carolina uniform.
The Panthers have picked up the fifth-year option on Young's contract. However, Young is not expected to receive an extension from the franchise this offseason.
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