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Panthers signee admits he was playing hard to get during free agency
TL;DR
Nick Scott, safety for the Carolina Panthers, admitted he was initially playing hard to get during free agency, hoping for a better deal. However, after seeing the team sign Jaelan Phillips and Devin Lloyd, he decided to re-sign with the Panthers on a one-year contract worth up to $3.25 million.
Carolina Panthers safety Nick Scott was hoping to use his career year to his advantage.
While hosting a charity golf tournament on Monday to benefit the Moore-Myers Children’s Fund, Scott spoke with Joe Person of The Athletic about the Panthers' eventual offseason. The veteran defender, who recently re-signed with the team on a one-year pact worth up to $3.25 million, admitted that he was holding out for more money in free agency.
But his tune changed a bit after he watched Carolina reel in a couple of big fish in pass rusher Jaelan Phillips and Pro Bowl linebacker Devin Lloyd.
“As those signings were happening, I was still a free agent and playing a little hard to get. But once I saw those guys rolling it, I was talking to my agent like, ‘Hold on, man. Maybe let’s go ahead and reach back out to the Panthers. It looks like it could be a fun season, a good defense,’” Scott told Person. “That was exciting to see those guys. It definitely motivated me and my decision to come back here.”
Scott started in each of the Panthers' 18 games from the 2025 campaign, including their wild-card round appearance against the Los Angeles Rams. He finished the season with career-highs in starts, combined tackles (111) and defensive stops (22).
Along with a new contract, Scott's work also earned himself approximately $1.26 million from the NFL in performance-based pay.
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This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: NFL free agency: Panthers S Nick Scott admits he played 'hard to get'
Q&A
Why did Nick Scott decide to re-sign with the Panthers?
Nick Scott decided to re-sign with the Panthers after seeing the team sign notable players Jaelan Phillips and Devin Lloyd, which motivated him to return.
What was the value of Nick Scott's contract with the Panthers?
Nick Scott's contract with the Panthers is a one-year deal worth up to $3.25 million.
What did Nick Scott mean by playing hard to get during free agency?
Nick Scott meant that he was initially holding out for a better financial offer before ultimately deciding to return to the Panthers after observing their offseason signings.
