The Carolina Panthers made headlines this week by inking a major contract with a rising star who also happens to come from NFL royalty. In a move that is already sending shockwaves across the league, the Panthers announced the signing of offensive lineman Connor Matthews — the younger brother of NFL Hall of Famer Bruce Matthews — to a multi-year, multi-million-dollar deal aimed at fortifying their offensive line for the foreseeable future.
Connor Matthews, a 6-foot-5, 320-pound force in the trenches, has long been considered one of the most underappreciated talents in the NFL. After steadily developing over the last few seasons, his breakout campaign in 2024 put him on the radar of several teams looking for a cornerstone presence on their offensive front. The Panthers, desperate to protect their young quarterback and re-establish a consistent run game, made Matthews a priority from day one of negotiations.
The deal is reportedly worth \$64 million over four years, with \$35 million guaranteed, making Matthews one of the top-paid guards in the league. His signing comes at a pivotal moment for Carolina, as the team aims to bounce back from a disappointing 2024 campaign and reinvigorate a roster filled with potential but lacking stability in the trenches.
Matthews is the latest in a long line of football greatness. His brother, Bruce Matthews, was a 14-time Pro Bowl selection and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2007. Despite the heavy shadow cast by his legendary sibling, Connor has carved out his own identity with a physical, relentless style of play and a reputation as a locker room leader.
“I’m proud to carry the Matthews name, but I’m here to build my own legacy,” Connor said during his introductory press conference. “Carolina believed in me, and I’m ready to go to work.”
With Matthews now anchoring the interior line, the Panthers believe they’ve taken a major step toward becoming contenders again.
