Panthers Bring Back One of Their Leaders On Defense

Safety Nick Scott re-signs with Carolina on a one-year deal, providing veteran leadership to the team's younger defense.

Mar. 19, 2026 at 4:18am

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The Carolina Panthers have re-signed safety Nick Scott to a one-year contract, keeping one of the leaders of their defense. Scott, a seventh-round pick out of Penn State, has spent the last two seasons with the Panthers after previous stints with the Rams and Bengals. He beat out younger players for the starting safety job in 2025 and has emerged as a key communicator and mentor for the team's younger defensive players.

Why it matters

The Panthers are a team on the rise with a relatively young roster, so retaining veteran leadership like Nick Scott is important. Scott's experience and ability to quarterback the defense from the back end have been valuable assets for the team.

The details

Scott re-signed with the Panthers on a one-year deal after starting 10 games and playing in 10 total for the team in 2025. He beat out 2025 fourth-round pick Lathan Ransom and Demani Richardson for the starting safety job, with head coach Dave Canales praising Scott's communication skills and ability to get the defense lined up properly. Scott has provided energy and leadership for the Panthers' defense, with teammate Chau Smith-Wade describing him as the "spirit of the team" who loves to be in a leadership role.

  • Scott re-signed with the Panthers on a one-year deal in March 2026.
  • In August 2025, Scott won the starting safety job over younger players.

The players

Nick Scott

A 30-year-old safety who is entering his third season with the Carolina Panthers after previous stints with the Los Angeles Rams and Cincinnati Bengals. Scott has emerged as a veteran leader on the Panthers' defense.

Dave Canales

The head coach of the Carolina Panthers, who praised Scott's communication skills and ability to quarterback the defense from the safety position.

Chau Smith-Wade

A cornerback for the Carolina Panthers who described Scott as the "spirit of the team" who brings energy and leadership to the defense.

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What they’re saying

“We would love to give (the younger safeties) opportunities. I think right now, Nick Scott has earned the right to be in there. I like having him back there, quarterbacking the defense from the back half and communicating with Tre Moehrig, who is playing in the system for the first time. That's been a really good thing for us, through the spring, through training camp, certainly last night. Love where the communication was for them, and also just Nick's kind of showing those young guys, like, 'This is how you quarterback it for back here — how to get guys lined up.'”

— Dave Canales, Head Coach, Carolina Panthers

“Nick is the spirit of the team in a lot of ways. He's very energetic, gets the guys going, loves to be in any type of leadership role, and brings his happiness to that situation. When he pops back up, you can always tell, like, OK, Nick's involved this week because he's popping around and he's getting the guys going.”

— Chau Smith-Wade, Cornerback, Carolina Panthers

What’s next

The Panthers will look to build on their success from the 2025 season with Scott providing veteran leadership in the secondary.

The takeaway

Retaining experienced players like Nick Scott, who can mentor younger teammates and help quarterback the defense, is crucial for a Panthers team on the rise. Scott's leadership and communication skills make him an invaluable asset as the team continues to develop its young core.