Former Florida State defensive lineman Patrick Payton has accepted an invitation to the Carolina Panthers rookie minicamp, according to Matt Zenitz of CBS Sports. Payton, who started his career at FSU, spent the 2025 season with the LSU Tigers.

Payton had an excellent start to his career with the Seminoles, being named the ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2022 after playing in all 13 games with 31 tackles, 6.0 tackles for loss, 5.0 sacks, one forced fumble, and three pass breakups. The Miami native was even better in 2023, finishing with 44 tackles, 14.5 tackles for loss, 7.0 sacks, 10 pass breakups, seven quarterback hurries, and two forced fumbles, earning honorable mention All-ACC recognition.

He was FSU's No. 2 pass rusher in those seasons, working across from Jared Verse, and was expected to take on a larger role in 2024. While he started all 12 games, he was not able to elevate his game and recorded 35 tackles, 11.0 tackles for loss, 4.0 sacks, and a blocked field goal. He transferred to LSU after the season, looking to restore his draft stock after the disappointing season.

Payton was unable to do so, starting all 13 games but finishing with just 34 tackles, 5.0 tackles for loss, 1.0 sack, and six pass breakups. He was ranked as one of the top players in the transfer portal when he signed with LSU.

He will now have a chance to show what he can do at the next level with the Panthers.

Former LSU edge rusher Patrick Payton has accepted a rookie minicamp invitation from the #Panthers, a source tells @CBSSports.Before LSU, was a standout and All-ACC selection at Florida State. The 6-5, 260-pounder finished his college career with 143 tackles and 17 sacks. pic.twitter.com/3yXMclBOXh

Follow us @FSUWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Florida State news, notes, and opinions.

This article originally appeared on FSU Wire: Carolina Panthers invite Patrick Payton to rookie minicamp