Ray signed his exclusive rights free-agent tender with the Panthers on Monday, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.
The 27-year-old defensive end from Alabama will remain in Carolina after spending the first two seasons of his career with the Panthers. With Derrick Brown (knee) sidelined for the majority of 2024, Ray played a career-high 591 defensive snaps, recording 41 total tackles, including 1.0 sacks, across 16 regular-season games. Now that he's inked a deal to remain a Panther, Ray is expected to compete for a depth role on the defensive line as the summer unfolds.
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Panthers' LaBryan Ray: Thrust into starting role in 2024
Rotowire
Ray recorded 41 total tackles, including 1.0 sacks, over 16 games in 2024.
Ray saw increased opportunities with the Panthers' first-team defense following Derrick Brown's (knee) season-ending injury in the Week 1 loss to the Saints, starting nine of the Panthers remaining 16 regular-season games. He played at least 40 percent of Carolina's defensive snaps in all of his appearances this season, setting a career high in total tackles and also logging the first sack of his young career. Ray is an exclusive-rights free agent this offseason, meaning he cannot negotiate with other teams if the Panthers extend a qualifying offer. If the 27-year-old returns to Carolina in 2025, he's likely to revert to a reserve role behind Brown.
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Panthers' LaBryan Ray: Will play vs. Commanders
Rotowire
Ray (ankle/knee) is active for Sunday's game against Washington, Darin Gantt of the Panthers' official site reports.
Ray has been limited in practice all week due to knee and ankle injuries, but he will play through them Sunday. Ray has accrued 11 tackles (seven solo), including 1.0 sacks, across five regular-season games.
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Panthers' LaBryan Ray: Dealing with injuries
Rotowire
Ray (ankle/knee) was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice.
Ray played 36 total snaps (31 defensive and five on special teams) and failed to record a stat in the Panthers' Week 6 loss to the Falcons, but it appears he picked up a pair of injuries in the process. The Alabama product's participation Thursday and Friday will be the best indication on whether he can play in Sunday's matchup against the Commanders.
