The Carolina Panthers are taking a chance on a unique prospect ahead of the 2025 season.

The Panthers announced on Monday that they signed former college basketball player Colin Granger to a contract. The 6'9", 225-pound center will be a tight end as he attempts his first foray into football.

Granger put together a five-year college basketball career that began with two seasons at Ohio University. He then transferred to Western Carolina and spent two years with the program before joining Coastal Carolina for his final year of college eligibility.

During the 2024-25 campaign, Granger appeared in 31 games for the Chanticleers and notched career highs across the board with 7.2 points and 4.4 rebounds per game while shooting 57.9 percent from the field. Over the course of his career, he shot 52.3 percent and pulled down 322 rebounds, showcasing soft hands that should benefit him in his transition to tight end.

Granger will be attempting to follow in the footsteps of other former college basketball players who found success in the NFL, most notably Hall of Fame tight ends Antonio Gates and Tony Gonzalez.

After signing with the Panthers, Granger will be fighting for a spot on a depth chart that includes Tommy Tremble, Ja'Tavion Sanders, Jordan Matthews, James Mitchell, and Dominique Dafney. Sanders was the most productive Panthers tight end in 2024 with 33 catches for 342 yards and a touchdown, while Tremble added 23 receptions for 234 yards and two scores.

If he makes the roster, Granger can provide the Panthers with a sizable weapon who should benefit third-year quarterback Bryce Young during the upcoming season.