### Panthers Take a Bold Step by Signing Basketball Player Colin Granger as Tight End The Carolina Panthers have made headlines by signing Colin Granger, a former college basketball player, to their roster as a tight end. Standing at 6-foot-9 and weighing 240 pounds, Granger's athleticism and size have drawn comparisons to NFL great Antonio Gates, who successfully transitioned from basketball to football. This move is seen as a gamble for the Panthers, who are looking to innovate their offensive strategy by incorporating a player with a unique background in basketball. Granger, who played for Coastal Carolina and previously Ohio University, has no prior football experience, making this a significant leap into the NFL [https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/carolina-panthers/news/panthers-add-6-9-basketball-player-play-tight-end-antonio-gates/16f9abc0e194c21a627eaf5a][https://www.cleveland.com/news/2025/04/nfl-team-signs-former-ohio-u-basketball-player-in-first-foray-into-football.html]. ### Overview of the Panthers' Signing Strategy 1. **Player Background**: - Colin Granger is a 6-foot-9 former basketball player from Coastal Carolina, previously at Ohio University. - He has no experience in football, making this a unique signing for the Panthers. 2. **Comparison to NFL Legends**: - The Panthers are hoping Granger can replicate the success of Antonio Gates, who transitioned from basketball to become a star tight end in the NFL. 3. **Team Strategy**: - This signing reflects the Panthers' willingness to explore unconventional talent sources to enhance their roster. - The move is part of a broader strategy to innovate their offensive play style. 4. **Public and Media Reaction**: - The signing has generated buzz across various media outlets, with many expressing curiosity about Granger's potential impact on the team. ### Supporting Evidence and Reactions - **Physical Attributes**: Granger's height (6'9") and weight (240 lbs) are seen as advantageous for a tight end position, which often requires a combination of size and agility [https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/panthers-sign-former-college-basketball-player-whos-attempting-to-make-the-transition-to-nfl-tight-end]. - **Historical Precedents**: The success of players like Antonio Gates and Jimmy Graham, who also made the switch from basketball to football, provides a framework for evaluating Granger's potential [https://www.si.com/nfl/panthers-sign-ex-ncaa-basketball-center-who-has-never-played-football]. - **Team's Vision**: The Panthers are taking a calculated risk, aiming to leverage Granger's athleticism to fill a critical role in their offense [https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/panthers-sign-former-college-basketball-player-colin-granger-as-te]. ### Conclusion: A Risky Yet Potentially Rewarding Move In summary, the Carolina Panthers' decision to sign Colin Granger as a tight end is a bold and innovative strategy aimed at enhancing their offensive capabilities. 1. **Unique Talent Acquisition**: Granger's background in basketball presents a fresh approach to player recruitment. 2. **Potential for Success**: If Granger can adapt to the demands of football, he may become a valuable asset, similar to Gates. 3. **Team Dynamics**: This move reflects the Panthers' commitment to exploring diverse talent pools and adapting their game plan. The Panthers are betting on Granger's athleticism and potential to make a significant impact in the NFL, marking a new chapter in their roster development [https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/article/panthers-sign-college-basketball-big-man-colin-granger-to-be-the-next-nfl-tight-end-convert-183459316.html].