5 best free agent signings in Carolina Panthers history
By Jason Huber
John Kasay – Former Carolina Panthers K
The Carolina Panthers’ all-time leader in scoring was one of the first free agents the team ever signed and he spent a long, long time with the organization.
It’s not often you can find a kicker that spends 16 years on any team. But the Panthers found just that when they signed John Kasay before their debut season.
Kasay scored 1,482 points for Carolina and was the team’s starting kicker every year except when he missed the 2000 campaign due to an injury.
The pure fact of having consistency at that position makes Kasay one of the best free agents in team history. However, there were also some tough moments, including his botched kickoff in Super Bowl 38 that helped the New England Patriots eventually go on to win.
Kasay made 351 field goals and 429 extra points during his tenure with the Panthers. He was a model of consistency throughout and will always be considered a legend in Carolina thanks to his longevity and ability to come through in clutch situations.
The team might not ever have another kicker who stays as durable and reliable as Kasay did. Although there remains some hope that Zane Gonzalez can fill the role long-term after an exceptional 2021 season.