What were the Carolina Panthers thinking last week when they signed a basketball player with no prior football experience? President of football operations and general manager Dan Morgan gave us a look into that thought process on Tuesday.
Morgan chatted with reporters this afternoon, primarily about the upcoming 2025 NFL draft. But he was asked about the team's addition of new tight end Colin Granger, who was playing college basketball just a little over a month ago.
"I think it's a good opportunity to fill out our 90-man roster," Morgan replied. "Colin had a good workout. He was recommended by George Fant, who we're familiar with from our Seattle days. It's just an opportunity just to add a guy, and be open minded and just kinda try some new things and see what we have."
The Panthers announced a deal with Granger last Monday. Their official release on the signing noted that this will be the 6-foot-9, 235-pounder's "first foray" into football.
Granger split a five-year collegiate basketball career between Ohio University, Western Carolina University and Coastal Carolina University. His final game came back on March 4, when he started at center for the Chanticleers in their Sun Belt Tournament matchup against the University of Southern Mississippi.
As alluded to by Morgan, Granger came recommended by former Seahawks offensive lineman George Fant—who also played basketball in the Sun Belt Conference before switching to football. In fact, he was an all-conference selection (as a forward) in three different years at Western Kentucky University.
Hopefully for Morgan and the Panthers, Granger ends up succeeding in his transition like Fant—who has now played nine NFL seasons.
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This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: Panthers GM Dan Morgan addresses unusual signing of TE Colin Granger
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