Panthers make quick use of recently opened roster spot to announce a reunion everyone saw coming all offseason
The Carolina Panthers have re-signed offensive lineman Brady Christensen to make use of the vacant roster spot opened up following the retirement of quarterback Will Grier.
Former Carolina Panthers offensive lineman Brady Christensen made a major announcement a few days ago after getting fully cleared for contact following a torn Achilles suffered in Week 8 of the 2025 season.
Christensen’s injury occurred during a contract year with the Panthers and the injury had a major effect on his free agent market after playing five seasons in Carolina. After making that announcement that he is now fully cleared, Christensen was expected to make a decision soon on his next opportunity ahead of training camp. The opportunity to return to Carolina was always a top potential option.
“I’ve kept in contact with the Panthers,” Christensen said, via Mike Kaye of the Charlotte Observer. “They’ve been amazing throughout my whole career, this process. Yeah, so we’re still in contact. Excited to see where that goes.”
On Friday, the expected decision was made. Christensen re-signed with the Panthers on a one-year deal, filling the vacant roster spot recently opened following the retirement of quarterback Will Grier.
Brady Christensen set to rejoin the Carolina Panthers ahead of training camp
Christensen has appeared in 59 games, with 34 starts, since being drafted in the third-round of the 2021 NFL Draft. He has played all over the offensive line and been a highly valuable depth piece for the team.
Christensen mulled over multiple opportunities on the free agent market, and honestly could have earned a starting opportunity for himself elsewhere had he hit the open market healthy earlier this offseason. Instead, Christensen chose to remain in Carolina for the 2026 season and will compete for a spot on the 53-man roster.
“I think my ideal situation is to go in and compete,” Christensen explained. “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.”
The Panthers have two open positions on the offensive line with battles set to begin starting in training camp at left tackle and center. Both battles are expected to be between incoming veterans and rookie draft picks. Christensen’s best position throughout his career has been at guard, where the Panthers already have two established veterans in Damien Lewis and Robert Hunt.
While earning a starting opportunity is unlikely, Christensen will still be a valuable depth piece for the Panthers offensive front. If his number gets called, he’ll be ready to step up and perform at a high level as he has for the last five seasons.
“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.”