The Georgia Bulldogs pipeline to the NFL continues to produce top-tier talent, and the latest star to cash in is offensive tackle Monroe Freeling. Selected by the Carolina Panthers with the 19th overall pick in the NFL Draft, Freeling has officially signed his rookie contract, the team announced on May 7.
While the Panthers haven't released the exact financial details, contract analysts at Spotrac project a lucrative four-year, $20.9 million deal that is fully guaranteed, with a fifth-year team option included. That's a solid payday for a player who has quickly proven his worth on the gridiron.
Panthers head coach Dave Canales couldn't hide his excitement about his new lineman. "First of all, he looks great," Canales said. "He's been working really hard, just trying to continue to increase his strength. He showed up about 325 [pounds], and looked great, moved well, showed the length, and all the things. That was just kind of an emphasis of his, and I mean, if you think the guy's 21 years old, so he's still growing into whatever his frame is. But as you know, seasons get long, and guys have a chance to kind of settle in and focus on some things, and the work showed up. He looks great, he's moving well, so I'm really pleased with that."
Freeling's journey to the NFL was marked by steady progression. A highly coveted recruit—ranked as the No. 33 prospect in the class of 2023—the 6-foot-7, 315-pound tackle committed to Georgia in August 2022. He earned his first starting role against the Tennessee Volunteers in Week 12 of the 2024 season and never looked back.
In 2025, his first full season as a starter, Freeling was a dominant force on the Bulldogs' offensive line. According to Pro Football Focus, he allowed just five pressures and one sack all season, while committing only two penalties. His stellar play earned him second-team All-SEC honors at left tackle.
Freeling's draft stock soared after a historic performance at the NFL Combine. He became the first player in combine history to measure at least 6-foot-7, weigh at least 315 pounds, and post a sub-5.00 40-yard dash, a vertical jump over 30 inches, and a broad jump that turned heads. For Panthers fans—and any fan of elite athleticism on the line—this is a name to watch closely.