Raheem Blackshear is all set for 2024.
Per the NFL transaction wire, the Carolina Panthers officially re-signed the 25-year-old running back on Thursday. The team previously tendered a contract to Blackshear, who entered the offseason as an exclusive rights free agent.
Blackshear was signed off the Buffalo Bills’ practice squad by the Panthers in September of 2022. He went on to play in 13 games during his rookie campaign—where he ran for 77 yards and three touchdowns while reeling in 10 passes for 93 yards.
Carolina has utilized Blackshear as their primary kick returner for the past two seasons. He’s fielded 35 total attempts for an average of 26.9 yards.
Given the newly-passed kickoff rules, Blackshear’s ability on special teams should prove to be even more valuable to the Panthers. The hybrid kickoff, which was approved by a vote of 29-3 at this past week’s Annual League Meeting, is expected to increase the amount of returns by 30 to 40 percent from the 2023 season.
