BREAKING NEWS: LaBryan Ray Makes Triumphant Return to the Carolina Panthers Ahead of 2025 Season I we love to stay here for ever……………….
CHARLOTTE, NC – April 22, 2025 — In a significant roster move that speaks volumes about the team’s defensive strategy, the Carolina Panthers have officially retained defensive end LaBryan Ray for the 2025 NFL season, exercising his exclusive rights tender in what the organization is calling a “commitment to building a battle-hardened defensive front.”
Ray, 26, is returning to Carolina after what many inside the locker room and coaching staff describe as a “breakout resilience year” in 2024. Though his stat line may not have earned national headlines—he posted 41 tackles and a sack over 16 games—the impact of his presence went far deeper than the numbers suggest.
A Journey Marked by Grit and Redemption
Originally signed as an undrafted free agent out of Alabama, Ray’s professional football journey has been a testament to resilience. After brief stints with the New England Patriots and a few other organizations, Ray landed in Carolina in 2023 during training camp. What seemed like a short-term trial turned into a legitimate career revival.
“He came in with a chip on his shoulder,” said defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero. “And he’s carried that edge into every practice, every snap. When we needed someone to step up last season—he did, again and again.”
Ray’s grit was particularly evident in the second half of the 2024 season when he continued to play through a broken hand, which he protected with a heavy padded club. Despite the obvious limitations, Ray refused to be sidelined and instead became a tone-setter for a defense riddled with injuries.
Panthers Defense in Transition
Carolina’s 2024 campaign was one of transition, not only for the team but for the defensive line in particular. With key veterans like Derrick Brown missing time and multiple backups struggling to stay healthy, Ray emerged as a central figure in anchoring the front. He played 627 defensive snaps—second-most among all Panthers’ defensive linemen behind A’Shawn Robinson.
His ability to hold the edge in run support and provide interior disruption on passing downs became critical to a unit trying to find its identity in a rebuilding year. Ray’s technique, motor, and football IQ earned praise from teammates and staff alike.
“He’s the kind of guy you want in your foxhole,” said linebacker Frankie Luvu. “He doesn’t complain. He just works.”
Exclusive Rights Tender: A Strategic Win for Carolina
By placing an Exclusive Rights Free Agent (ERFA) tender on Ray, the Panthers effectively prevented any other team from negotiating with him. Under ERFA rules, if a player has fewer than three accrued seasons and is offered a one-year contract at the league minimum, they cannot negotiate with other teams.
While the move may be procedural, it’s anything but insignificant.
“This is about more than numbers on a spreadsheet,” said general manager Dan Morgan. “LaBryan fits the culture we’re trying to build. He’s a pro. He’s tough, dependable, and team-first. We want guys like that on this roster.”
And while the ERFA designation keeps Ray’s cost relatively low for Carolina—an important consideration for a team still managing salary cap flexibility—it’s also a sign that the franchise believes Ray has more to give.
Looking Ahead: Bigger Role on the Horizon?
With a full offseason to recover and build strength, expectations are rising that Ray could play an even more significant role in 2025. As the Panthers shift toward a more versatile and hybrid defensive scheme, Ray’s ability to play both inside and outside the defensive line could give Evero more creative flexibility.
“There’s no ceiling on what he can do,” said head coach Dave Canales. “He’s got the tools, he’s got the mindset, and now he’s got the experience.”
Moreover, as the Panthers continue to shape their identity on defense in the post-Brian Burns era, Ray’s work ethic and no-nonsense leadership style could earn him an even louder voice in the locker room.
Fan and Locker Room Reaction
The news of Ray’s return has been well received among Panthers fans, especially those who follow the team’s development closely. Social media reactions were swift, with many fans celebrating the move as a smart retention of “homegrown toughness.”
“Ray might not be flashy, but he’s everything you want in a player,” tweeted one fan. “Glad the front office didn’t overthink this.”
Teammates, too, voiced their approval. Star cornerback Jaycee Horn posted a congratulatory message on Instagram, writing, “Let’s run it back, big dawg!”
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In Summary
LaBryan Ray’s return to the Carolina Panthers is more than a minor roster update—it’s a testament to perseverance, hard work, and the kind of player-first culture the Panthers are trying to build. As the 2025 season approaches, Ray’s story serves as a reminder that in the NFL, talent may get you in the door, but toughness, character, and consistency keep you there.
And for Carolina, that’s exactly the kind of foundation they want to build on.
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