Panthers finally get the green light to bring back a key offensive depth piece, but it’s not going to be the guarantee many believe
Former Carolina Panthers offensive lineman Brady Christensen revealed that he’s fully cleared for contact and ready to sign with any team ahead of free agency.
The Carolina Panthers were a highly active team this offseason when it came to acquiring some high-level starting talent and did a modest job at adding some depth pieces to the roster as well, but there could be one more signing up general manager Dan Morgan’s sleeve.
That potential signing is former Panthers offensive lineman Brady Christensen, who’s been a stellar depth piece in Carolina since being drafted in the third-round of the 2021 NFL Draft.
Christensen has spent the offseason rehabbing from a season-ending Achilles tear that he suffered last October, an injury that killed his potential market during a contract year. That, however, could change soon now that Christensen is fully cleared ahead of training camp.
Former Carolina Panthers OL Brady Christensen announces he’s fully cleared ahead of training camp
Christensen has had contact with the Panthers throughout his recovery process this offseason and worked with the team trainers until he became a free agent in March. Even after becoming a free agent, Christensen remained in Charlotte working with a physical therapy treatment co-owned by Panthers team chiropractor Nevin Markel, according to Mike Kaye of The Charlotte Observer.
The expectation was that Christensen would be healthy in time for training camp and on Tuesday, he revealed to the The Charlotte Observer that he is fully cleared for contact.
“I feel great,” Christensen said, via Kaye. “I feel normal, ready to go — ready to get back on the field. It’s been amazing, just the whole process, the surgery, the new surgery they have. The rehab, my program, all my physical therapists, my trainer — I feel like they’ve just got me in a really good spot to be at full strength and not even have to worry about it.”
With that recovery now behind him, Christensen can now focus on continuing his NFL career during the 2026 season. The question is, will that continue to be in Carolina or will he continue his career elsewhere?
A return to Carolina is possible, but not a guarantee
The fact Christensen entered the 2026 season without a new contract was telling. I doubt Carolina wanted to lose such a valuable piece of the offensive line but, in Christensen’s eyes, he likely understood more money and an opportunity to start awaited him in free agency.
The unfortunate part is that Christensen suffered such a serious injury during that contract year, derailing his potential market. Teams around the league easily would have paid Christensen to be a starter had he hit free agency healthy. His injury instead forced teams to look another direction.
Carolina could still very much use a player like Christensen on the roster as a top depth option behind guards Damien Lewis and Robert Hunt. However, Christensen is keeping his options open before just re-signing in Carolina.
“I wanted to be patient,” Christensen said. “I want a good opportunity. I’m excited to get back on the field and kind of continue on the success I had last year. And I’m just really excited to prove myself, stay healthy, and just really have a good rest of my second half of my career, however long that may be. I’m excited to get back out there.”
Christensen deserves a starting opportunity. It’s something he’s earned with his play over the last five seasons but that path just isn’t there with two established veterans at guard, two starting options at left tackle, and two options at center. If another team came in with a starting opportunity, Christensen should capitalize on it.
“I think my ideal situation is to go in and compete,” Christensen added. “I don’t care about what position I play; I feel comfortable everywhere now. So the ideal situation is just go and compete and find the field again. Being able to play on Sundays is my goal.”