Report: Miami wide receiver Jacolby George signs with Panthers as UDFA, receives significant guarantee

According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, Miami wide receiver Jacolby George is signing with the Carolina Panthers as an undrafted free agent. He will be receiving a significant guaranteed amount of money from them as well, comparable to a sixth-round pick.

“Former Miami WR Jacolby George is signing with the #Panthers on a deal that includes $215,000 guaranteed, per source,” Pelissero said via X. “That’s a larger guarantee than he would’ve received if drafted in the sixth round.”

George spent all four years of his college career in Coral Gables with the Hurricanes. His junior campaign wound up being his best season, going for 57 receptions, 864 yards, and eight touchdowns. Success was found with eventual No. 1 overall pick Cam Ward, though. The 2024 season saw George produce 53 catches for 752 yards and once again, eight scores.

Carolina spent some serious draft capital at wide receiver this weekend. Arizona‘s Tetairoa McMillan was the selection at No. 8 overall, giving quarterback Bryce Young a new weapon. It’s a pick the Panthers will be relying on moving forward.

Maybe somebody like George can work their way onto the roster this offseason. Receiver continues to be a position of need and at the very least, George has proven production in a college football power conference. A big chance ahead of the undrafted free agent.

What NFL Draft analysts are saying about Jacolby George

NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein provided a scouting report on George before the draft. His prospect score was not the best, sitting at 5.67. That meant Zierlein believed the Miami wide receiver would turn into a “candidate for bottom of the roster or practice squad.”

No exact player comparison was provided. However, Zierlein did predict George would not hear his name called and would turn into a priority free agent for teams.

“Two-year starter with consistent production but lacking desired pro traits,” Zierlein said. “George is a feisty competitor who has allowed that fire to burn his team with critical penalties at times. He plays with average suddenness to uncover underneath and appears unable to blow by corners for open deep looks.

“There is some route acumen to work with and he wins a few more combat catches than expected for a receiver of his size. Unless he can rebrand as a crafty slot receiver, the difficulty he encounters when trying to beat physical cornerbacks could be an overriding concern for teams.”