Panthers bringing former All-ACC edge rusher to minicamp

The Carolina Panthers added seven new players in their 2026 NFL Draft class. They then searched for even more talent in this year’s undrafted free agent class.

There, the Panthers found edge rusher Patrick Payton. The former LSU standout has now been invited to rookie mini camp, via Matt Zenitz of CBS Sports.

Payton spent four years at Florida State before transferring to LSU for his final collegiate season. Over 53 total games, the edge rusher put up 144 tackles, 36.5 for a loss and 17 sacks.

During the 2023 season, Payton set new career-highs across the board in tackles (44), TFL (14.5), sacks (seven) and passes defended (six). A year prior, the edge rusher was named ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year after recording 31 tackles, six for a loss and five tackles.

While Payton showed potential at the college level, he is facing an uphill battle towards making the final roster. As an UDFA, he’ll need to put on quite a show during training camp to make his mark. Still, the Panthers are searching for talent across their defense and clearly like what Payton has to offer.

Carolina is coming off of a 2025 season in which they ranked 16th in total defense, allowing 327.2 yards per game. Their 30 sacks tied for third-fewest in the league.

The Panthers went out and signed Jaelan Phillips for that job. But Payton will now prove that he should be in the mix as well. Carolina is looking to prove their NFC South win in 2025 wasn’t a fluke. One undrafted free agent won’t affect their standing much going into the year. But at least making the roster, Payton would be able to aid the franchise’s march forward.

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