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Newcomer Cam Gill in game-shape for first Panthers practice in pads
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- Newcomer Cam Gill in game-shape for first Panthers practice in pads
Newcomer Cam Gill in game-shape for first Panthers practice in pads originally appeared on The Sporting News . Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here .
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Cam Gill didn't feel any different Tuesday during the Carolina Panthers ' first NFL training camp practice wearing pads. The newly signed outside linebacker just completed a standout stint with the UFL champion Louisville Kings and remained in "game shape."
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While most of the Panthers' 91-man roster experienced true on-field contact for the first time since last January's NFC Wild Card loss to the visiting Los Angeles Rams , Gill said he didn't need much time warming up. It's only been a few weeks since he last donned shoulder pads.
"I just had them on," Gill said with a grin after the workout on the practice fields behind Bank of America Stadium. "It's a little bit different for me than the other guys.
"Shout out to the Kings. We went all the way and won it. I don't think I'm going to be as sore as everybody else."
Panhers' Cam Gill: 'Older, little wiser'
Gill joined the Panthers last Friday, hours after expected starter Nic Scourton suffered a season-ending knee injury on the first day of camp. The NFLPA is currently investigating.
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It's the third time he's signed a Panthers contract, dating back to 2024. After failing to establish himself as an NFL starter, the five-year pro is looking for a charm.
This time, Gill returned as the 2026 UFL Defensive Player of the Year, registering a league-record 11 sacks for United Bowl-champion Kings .
"I'm just older, you know, a little wiser," Gill said. "Every year that you're in this league or in this business or any professional level, you know, you have to grow.
"I'm fresh off the (UFL) season, so it's not like I have to get into shape. I'm preparting to move forward."
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MORE: Pressure intensifies for Panthers' Princely Umanmielen without Nic Scourton
A 2020 undrafted free agent, Gill has also spent time with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers , Detroit Lions and Minnesota Vikings , appearing in 50 games and posting 51 tackles (22 solo) and 2.5 sacks.
The Panthers face the Arizona Cardinals in the Pro Football Hall of Fame Game on Aug. 6.
With Scourton out, Patrick Jones II likely will move into the starting spot opposite Jaelan Phillips . Princely Umanmielen , whom Phillips said was "our best pass rusher, also figures into the top three edge rotation. Veterans Trevis Gipson and Thomas Incoom , along with Gill, could challenge for regular-season roster spots.
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Phillips admitted "he was still getting to know" Gill, but "he's a cool guy. He's twitchy .. explosive.
"He's done a good job adjusting to us."
Like he hasn't stopped playing in a while.
