The Panthers Next Man Up: Why the Carolina Panthers Turned to Nick Samac After Austin Corbett’s Injury

Austin Corbett exits the game after a knee injury the later proved to be an MCL injury. Photo: Kevin Tolbert, ADSN

By Kevin Tolbert

When the Carolina Panthers lost starting center Austin Corbett to a torn MCL in Week 2 against the Arizona Cardinals, the ripple effect across the offensive line was immediate and potentially season-defining. Add the injury to Robert Hunt and the Panthers were fending off a potential landslide in offensive downgrades.

Corbett, a stabilizing force in the trenches, had already battled injuries in recent years, and his absence left a gaping hole in protection for quarterback Bryce Young. General manager Dan Morgan moved quickly to protect the remaining depth at the position. In less than 72 hours, the Panthers signed rookie center Nick Samac off the Baltimore Ravens’ practice squad—a move that flew under the radar but could prove pivotal as the season unfolds.

Panthers Center Nick Samac participating in his first practice after signing Photo: Kevin Tolbert, ADSN

Corbett’s injury, coupled with right guard Hunt’s torn bicep, has forced the Panthers to reshuffle their interior line. Cade Mays, who had shown flashes of promise in 2024, was moved in as the starting center. But Morgan, known for his aggressive roster moves, wasn’t content to rely solely on Mays. Nick Samac will now be the latest attempt at bolstering the offensive line that has heavily damaged. A 2024 seventh-round pick out of Michigan State, Samac impressed in preseason action but hadn’t yet seen regular-season snaps.

Samac’s signing wasn’t just a depth move—it was a strategic hedge. With the offensive line already thin and facing a brutal NFC South pass rush rotation, Morgan needed a contingency plan. Samac brings collegiate pedigree, positional versatility, and a high football IQ that made him a Rimington Trophy watchlist candidate in 2023.

While Nick Samac has yet to log an NFL regular-season snap, his college tape and preseason performance offer insight into his potential. At Michigan State, Samac started 32 games at center, anchoring an offense that relied heavily on zone-blocking schemes. He allowed just 3 sacks across his final two seasons and was credited with a 98.2% assignment success rate in pass protection during his senior year. Cade Mays, by contrast, has NFL experience but has been used more as a utility lineman.

In 2024, Mays played in 15 games with 6 starts, logging 412 offensive snaps. According to Pro Football Focus:

Metric	Cade Mays (2024)	Nick Samac (2023 College)
Pass Block Grade	61.4	78.9
Run Block Grade	66.2	81.3
Sacks Allowed	2	1
Penalties	3	2
Assignment Success Rate	94.5%	98.2%

While Mays has the edge in professional experience, Samac’s technical consistency and clean execution in college suggest he could be more than just a backup. His ability to diagnose defensive fronts and adjust protections was a hallmark of his Michigan State tenure.

The Panthers’ offensive scheme under head coach Dave Canales emphasizes quick reads, zone runs, and interior mobility. Both Mays and Samac fit this mold, but in different ways. Mays offers brute strength and versatility—he’s played guard and center, and even took snaps at tackle in college. Samac, meanwhile, is a pure center with elite communication skills and a cerebral approach to line calls.

This interchangeability gives Carolina options. If Mays struggles with snapping consistency or pre-snap reads, Samac can step in without disrupting the overall scheme. Conversely, if Samac needs time to acclimate to NFL speed, Mays can hold the fort. It’s a plug-and-play dynamic that few teams have at center, and Morgan’s foresight in creating it could be a quiet masterstroke.

Several factors likely influenced the decision. Samac has both football IQ and leadership skills. Samac was a multi-year starter and team captain at Michigan State. His ability to command the offensive line and make protection calls mirrors what Corbett brought to the table.

He’s a great fit for Carolina’s scheme. Samac thrived in zone-blocking schemes, which align with Canales’ offensive philosophy. His lateral agility and hand placement make him ideal for reach blocks and second-level engagement.

Samac’s developmental has a huge upside. At 6'4", 300 lbs, Samac has NFL size and room to grow. Morgan likely sees a long-term starter in him, not just a stopgap. Though Samac didn’t make the Ravens’ final roster, he played in all six preseason games and graded out well in pass protection. His tape showed poise, balance, and an ability to anchor against bull rushes.

Morgan’s decision also reflects a broader philosophy. Rather than signing a veteran with limited ceiling, he opted for a young player who could develop into a cornerstone. It’s a bet on coaching, culture, and Samac’s readiness to seize the moment.

With Corbett out, the chemistry between Young and whoever starts at center becomes critical. Mays has already taken first-team reps, but Samac’s arrival creates competition—and competition breeds excellence. If Samac eventually earns the starting role, his calm demeanor and sharp diagnostics could help Young feel more secure in the pocket.

If Mays retains the job, Samac’s presence ensures that any dip in performance won’t go unchecked. Either way, the Panthers have fortified a key position at a time when their season could’ve unraveled.

In a season already marred by injuries, Morgan’s decisiveness could be the difference between survival and collapse.

We could see the first glimpses when the Panthers host the Falcons in their home opener this Sunday.