Panthers' Rasheed Walker Says Gun Charge Being Dismissed

New Carolina left tackle avoids conviction after entering pretrial diversion program

Mar. 27, 2026 at 6:58pm

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New Carolina Panthers left tackle Rasheed Walker told reporters during his introductory press conference that a gun charge against him from early this year is being dismissed. Walker, 26, was arrested and charged with two counts of second-degree criminal possession of a firearm by New York City's Port Authority Police at LaGuardia Airport on Jan. 23 when he attempted to check an unloaded handgun without the proper paperwork. Walker has entered a pretrial diversion program, paving the way for his charges to be cleared so long as he avoids an additional arrest in the next six months.

Why it matters

This case highlights the challenges professional athletes can face with legal issues, especially around gun ownership and transportation. It also shows how pretrial diversion programs can allow charges to be dismissed in certain circumstances, avoiding a criminal conviction on an athlete's record.

The details

Walker, a seventh-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft by Green Bay, started 48 of the 51 games he's played over the last three seasons for the Packers. He started 16 of 17 games in 2025. Carolina signed him to a one-year contract worth up to $10 million as a potential replacement starter for left tackle Ikem Ekwonu, who ruptured his patellar tendon in the team's wild-card loss to the Los Angeles Rams in January and could miss the entire 2026 season.

  • Walker was arrested on January 23, 2026.
  • Walker entered a pretrial diversion program last week.

The players

Rasheed Walker

A 26-year-old left tackle who was recently signed by the Carolina Panthers.

Ikem Ekwonu

The Carolina Panthers' starting left tackle who suffered a ruptured patellar tendon in the team's wild-card loss to the Los Angeles Rams in January 2026 and could miss the entire 2026 season.

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What they’re saying

“New Carolina Panthers left tackle Rasheed Walker told reporters during his introductory press conference Thursday that a gun charge against him from early this year is being dismissed.”

— Rasheed Walker

What’s next

The judge overseeing Walker's case will determine if the charges are officially dismissed in the next six months, provided he avoids any additional arrests.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of pretrial diversion programs in allowing athletes to avoid criminal convictions for certain offenses, which can be crucial for their professional careers. It also underscores the need for clear policies and education around gun ownership and transportation, especially for high-profile individuals like NFL players.