Carolina Panthers defensive tackle Lee Hunter runs a drill during the NFL football team’s rookie camp, Friday, May 8, 2026 in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Nell Redmond)
The Carolina Panthers’ second-round pick Lee Hunter signed his four-year rookie contract, the team announced Friday.
All seven of the Panthers’ selections in the 2026 NFL Draft have now been officially signed. The other six, including first-round pick Monroe Freeling, signed May 7 on the night before rookie minicamp. They also signed 10 undrafted free agents last week.
Carolina selected Hunter at No. 49 overall. The Panthers traded up two spots in the second round to take the defensive tackle out of Texas Tech.
Hunter made the first-team All-Big 12 last year, totaling 41 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, and 2.5 sacks. The 23-year-old will line up alongside Pro Bowl defensive tackle Derrick Brown.
The Panthers’ 2026 regular season schedule was released Thursday. The schedule includes three primetime games, the most they’ve had since 2016.
Carolina will open the season at home against the Chicago Bears on Sunday, Sept. 13, the team’s first Week 1 home game since 2022.
