The Panthers May Have Found a Hidden Gem in This Overlooked Undrafted Free Agent
While the spotlight faded after the 2025 NFL Draft, Carolina Panthers GM Dan Morgan wasn’t ready to call it a day. He and his team dove headfirst into the undrafted free agent pool, looking for hidden talent — and they may have struck gold with a name few are talking about: Bam Martin-Scott.
The former South Carolina linebacker isn’t the flashiest player on the field, nor does he boast eye-popping athletic metrics. But what he does bring is consistency, energy, and a nose for the football — the kind of qualities that quietly win roster battles and earn coaches’ trust.
Martin-Scott put up an impressive 67 tackles and nine tackles for loss in his final collegiate season, showcasing a newfound prowess in run defense. He’s a smart, high-motor defender who quickly diagnoses plays and relentlessly pursues ball carriers. He’s not perfect — refining his gap discipline and improving consistency in pass coverage will be essential — but the tools are there.
What makes Martin-Scott even more intriguing is his versatility. In man coverage, he moves well enough to stick with running backs and tight ends. As a blitzer, he brings flashes of explosiveness that could make him a situational weapon and a special teams contributor early in his NFL career.
With Shaq Thompson gone and a fairly thin linebacker group featuring Christian Rozeboom, Josey Jewell, and rookie Trevin Wallace, there’s a real opportunity for someone like Martin-Scott to carve out a role. The Panthers didn’t just bring him in to fill a training camp spot — he’s got a chance to make some noise.
And if there’s anyone who can recognize linebacker potential, it’s Dan Morgan. As a former Pro Bowl linebacker himself, Morgan knows what it takes to succeed at the next level. His belief in Martin-Scott should turn a few heads.
Make no mistake — Martin-Scott is going to show up in camp ready to prove himself. He’s the type of underdog that fans rally behind and coaches love: tough, smart, and relentless. If he can translate that energy into impact plays, don’t be surprised if he earns a spot on the 53-man roster.
This may just be the best under-the-radar signing Carolina made all offseason.