Nick

Scott

Scott started all 17 regular season games and the team’s Wild Card loss in 2025 after serving in a reserve role the season prior. He returns on a team-friendly, one-year deal to presumably serve as the team’s starting free safety after notching a career-high 111 tackles.

The Panthers didn’t open Zavala’s 21-day return window until this week, but the third-year guard was listed as a full participant in all three practices. Players who log a full week of practice tend to suit up come game day, so it’s possible this questionable designation is more cautious optimism than anything else. In addition to Zavala the Panthers also listed OG Damien Lewis (oblique), OT Taylor Moton (knee), S Nick Scott (groin), and LB Trevin Wallace (shoulder) as questionable for Week 9.

Scott drew interest from other teams, according to Mike Kaye of the Charlotte Observer. The 29-year-old is a depth safety and considered a special teams ace. With only two other safeties on the roster, it made plenty of sense for Carolina to bring him back. It’s the second consecutive offseason the Panthers have given Scott a one-year contract.

Scott was released by the Bengals in a cap-saving move back in mid-March. The former seventh-round pick played in 17 games for the Bengals last season while making 10 starts. He totaled 57 tackles and one fumble recovery in those games and has started in 27 of the 81 games he’s appeared in for his career. Scott can step in to start when needed, but will likely serve as more of a depth signing for the Panthers.

The move saves Cincinnati $2.3 million in cap space and leaves them with a $2 million dead cap hit. Scott appeared in all 17 games for the Bengals last year, 10 of which were credited as starts. He totaled 57 tackles, one fumble recovery, and one TFL in 2023. Scott was also a mainstay of Cincy’s special teams unit. He should be able to find a home as a rotational player in free agency this offseason.

Scott took a hit to the head early in the fourth quarter and remained down on the field after the play. The veteran safety later departed for the locker room, and may not return. Scott left the field earlier in the game but eventually returned to the field.

Scott had his snaps jump from 36% in 2021 to 97% as a first-time starter last year. The run-stopping safety appeared in all 17 games for the Rams, posting 86 tackles, two interceptions and two forced fumbles. Scott will help replace the losses of safeties Jessie Bates and Vonn Bell in free agency The Bengals have also been linked to Scott’s Rams teammate Taylor Rapp this offseason.

A special teamer his first three years, Scott broke out as a first-time starter, posting 86 tackles and two interceptions while playing 97% of the Rams’ defensive snaps. The Bengals could turn to Scott for one of their starting roles after losing Jessie Bates and Vonn Bell to free agency.

Evans has only played one snap in 2020 and Scott has played 120 snaps, behind Taylor Rapp and Jordan Fuller. It’s not clear whether they tested positive for the virus or were close contacts.

Scott played running back as a redshirt freshman before converting to safety his final two years. He started 12 games in 2018, earning honorable mention all-conference honors with 65 tackles, one sack, and three interceptions. Scott should see most of his rookie-year snaps on special teams.