The NFL offseason is a time of hope and bold moves, where teams aim to plug roster holes with big-name acquisitions and set the tone for a winning campaign. For the Carolina Panthers, that sense of optimism surrounded a headline-making free agency signing that was expected to inject experience, leadership, and high-level production into a young and evolving roster. However, that excitement has quickly turned into scrutiny. According to multiple NFL analysts and insiders, the Panthers’ marquee free-agent pickup has now been labeled the “most overpaid” player at his position, raising eyebrows across the league and concerns among fans in Charlotte.
The player in question: offensive guard Robert Hunt. Inked to a massive five-year, \$100 million deal with \$63 million guaranteed, Hunt’s arrival from the Miami Dolphins was hailed as a foundational piece for Carolina’s struggling offensive line. But not long after the ink dried, critics began questioning whether the Panthers had paid a premium price for a player who, while solid, may not have the elite pedigree to justify such a substantial financial commitment.
Robert Hunt, a second-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft out of Louisiana, developed into a reliable and versatile lineman during his four seasons in Miami. Known for his power in the run game and high football IQ, Hunt consistently graded out as an above-average performer, particularly when healthy. However, that’s where the concerns begin. Injuries limited Hunt to just 11 games in 2023, and while his performance on the field was steady, he didn’t exactly dominate in a way that screamed \$100 million man.
From a pure financial perspective, Hunt’s contract makes him one of the highest-paid guards in NFL history, a distinction many experts believe he hasn’t quite earned—at least not yet. It’s that disparity between salary and perceived value that has drawn criticism. ESPN’s NFL insider Mike Clay went as far as to say, “Hunt is a good player, no doubt, but this deal screams desperation. Carolina had money to spend, and they spent it recklessly.” Pro Football Focus echoed similar sentiments, ranking Hunt as one of the least efficient uses of cap space among all offseason moves.
The reasoning behind the signing, however, is not entirely unjustified. The Panthers’ offensive line was a glaring weakness in 2023, allowing a league-high 65 sacks and providing minimal support to their rookie quarterback Bryce Young. General manager Dan Morgan and head coach Dave Canales made it clear that improving protection was priority number one. In that context, overpaying slightly to secure a starting-caliber guard—especially one with leadership qualities and versatility—could be seen as a necessary evil.
Yet the critique isn’t just about dollars and cents. There’s a philosophical question looming as well: Was Hunt ever meant to be the centerpiece of a major free-agent class? And if so, what does that say about Carolina’s evaluation process? Many insiders believe the Panthers fell into a common trap: overpaying in free agency because they couldn’t draft or develop effectively in recent years. This can create a cycle where mediocre rosters are patched together with high-priced veterans, leaving little room for organic growth or long-term success.
It also doesn’t help that Carolina’s recent free-agent history has been uneven at best. Big-money additions like Matt Kalil, Teddy Bridgewater, and Shaq Thompson didn’t yield the kind of returns the front office hoped for. Now with Hunt entering the picture as a major financial commitment, the pressure is on for him to not only justify the deal but also help anchor a revamped offensive line that includes other young talents like Ikem Ekwonu and Austin Corbett.
Despite the criticism, there are still reasons for Panthers fans to remain hopeful. Hunt brings an edge and maturity to the locker room that Carolina desperately needs. He’s known for his toughness and willingness to mentor younger players, and early reports from minicamp suggest he’s already making a positive impression with his work ethic and communication. Offensive coordinator Brad Idzik has spoken highly of Hunt’s ability to adapt to the Panthers’ new zone-heavy scheme, highlighting his mobility and vision as key assets.
Moreover, Hunt’s durability prior to 2023 was not in question. If he can return to full health and play a full season, he could solidify the right side of the line in a way the Panthers haven’t seen in years. His presence could also free up the coaching staff to be more creative with formations and protection schemes, potentially unlocking more of Bryce Young’s skill set in year two.
Still, the path forward won’t be easy. The NFL is a league where contracts and performance are always under the microscope, and Hunt will be judged not only by his play but also by the weight of expectations his contract carries. Every missed block, penalty, or sack given up will be amplified under the lens of his \$100 million price tag. Fair or not, that’s the reality of high-stakes free agency in the modern NFL.
The “most overpaid” label is more than just a media jab—it’s a statement that will follow Hunt throughout the season unless he quickly changes the narrative. And for the Panthers, it’s a litmus test for a new regime trying to prove it can rebuild the franchise the right way. Dave Canales has spoken openly about building a culture of accountability and performance. Overpaying for a key veteran may fit into that philosophy if it means stabilizing the team’s identity and building a reliable core.
But there’s also a deeper issue at play—one that touches on roster construction, free-agent market dynamics, and team philosophy. In many ways, the Hunt deal symbolizes the tightrope teams walk during rebuilds. With a young quarterback on a rookie contract, the Panthers are in a window where spending big on supporting cast members is logical. But it must be done with precision, not panic. If Hunt performs like a top-tier guard, the contract will be viewed in hindsight as a shrewd move to support a franchise QB. If he falters or gets injured again, it could serve as another cautionary tale of how not to spend cap space.
Critics aside, the 2025 season will ultimately determine the true value of Robert Hunt’s contract. If the Panthers’ offensive line improves significantly and Bryce Young takes a major step forward, the Hunt signing could be viewed as a cornerstone moment in Carolina’s resurgence. If not, it will only reinforce the notion that the Panthers overreached in a market that often rewards restraint more than bravado.
At the end of the day, football isn’t played on spreadsheets or judged purely by contract size. Hunt’s job is simple yet monumental: protect Bryce Young, open lanes for the run game, and set a physical tone up front. If he does that consistently, the “overpaid” label will fade into the background. If he doesn’t, it will loom large over this franchise’s attempt to turn the corner.
So while Robert Hunt may currently carry the unenviable title of the most overpaid free-agent signing at his position, the story is far from over. The Panthers are betting big that Hunt will prove his worth where it matters most—on the field. Whether that gamble pays off could define not just the next season, but the future of the franchise itself.
