Cat Scratch Reader
The 2025 season is right around the corner. As of today, there are exactly three weeks until kickoff. That’s 21 days, which means today’s countdown piece belongs to safety Nick Scott, who wears the 21 jersey for the black and blue.
Scott joined the Panthers in the spring of 2024 after spending the 2023 season with the Cincinnati Bengals. Prior to that, he spent four years on the Rams, three of which he played under now Panthers defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero.
Scott didn’t have a great first season with the Panthers, and as a free agent signing, that immediately put him in the crosshairs of the fan base. He’s been rather maligned for his play, but as of now, he’s listed as the second starter at safety alongside Tre’von Moehrig. That said, his spot is far from locked down. Demani Richardson has had moments both last season and in camp. The Panthers used a fourth round pick on Lathan Ransom, and he has a pretty decent resume that could work to help him secure snaps on defense.
Historically, the number 21 has been sported by good players that stick around for a few years. Tim Biakabutuka, Terry Cousin, Ken Lucas sported the number in the 1990s and 2000s and Jeremy Chinn wore it during his rookie contract with the Panthers. There’s still time for Scott to establish himself in that same vein.
