The Carolina Panthers have officially sealed the deal on their entire 2026 NFL Draft class, signing their final piece of the puzzle just in time for rookie camp. Defensive lineman Lee Hunter, selected in the second round, put pen to paper on his rookie contract Friday, making him the seventh and last draftee to join the fold.

Standing at 6-foot-3 and tipping the scales at 318 pounds, Hunter brings a formidable presence to the Panthers' defensive line. The Texas Tech standout was a first-team All-American and first-team All-Big 12 selection in 2025, and Carolina made a bold move to snag him at the 49th overall pick—trading up just two spots to ensure they got their man.

General manager Dan Morgan didn't mince words when explaining the aggressive draft-day strategy. "The board was kinda thinning out at the time," Morgan told reporters. "We just felt like, hey, this is the last guy we kinda had in the higher rounds. So we said, let's go get our guy instead of settling. We were all convicted on him—not just as a player, but as a person."

Hunter's final season in Lubbock saw him rack up 41 combined tackles and 2.5 sacks, showcasing the kind of disruptive force that could make him a key contributor for the Panthers' defensive front. With all seven draft picks now under contract, Carolina can focus fully on building chemistry and preparing for the upcoming season.

For Panthers fans, this signing marks a clean sweep of the 2026 class—and a clear statement that the team is serious about reloading for the future. Whether you're stocking up on game-day gear or just excited to see Hunter in action, it's a great time to be a Carolina supporter.