New Panthers Robert Hunt, Jordan Fuller are ready to roll

KENNY RICHMOND | CAROLINA PANTHERS

The Carolina Panthers invested heavily in guard Robert Hunt, signing the free agent to a five-year, $100 million deal to protect quarterback Bryce Young.

Rising from a two-star recruit from a Texas high school in Texas to one of the NFL’s premier guards signing a megadeal with the Carolina Panthers, Robert Hunt is relatively low-key on personal splurges.  

That’s about to change.  

Armed with a five-year, $100 million contract, Hunt is preparing to fulfill a personal promise and spoil himself. Trouble is that the NFL’s third highest-paid guard needs help.   

A key free-agent addition to the rebuilding Panthers, Hunt put out the word during Wednesday’s introductory Zoom call with reporters: “If you know somebody in Charlotte ... tell them I want a Tesla Cybertruck. I’ve been wanting this thing for multiple years. I told myself, once I got ‘THAT’ deal, no matter where I am in life, that would be my treat to myself.”   

While Hunt wants a space-age truck, Jordan Fuller, another free-agent signee, maintains a different type of “vibe.” While the safety signed a one-year, $5.25 million contract, Fuller continues to look at various forms of art and technology to improve his man cave.

In their way, Hunt and Fuller are ready to roll in their new environment.  

Carolina quarterback Bryce Young, the 2023 No. 1 overall draft pick, needs better protection going into his second season. Hunt’s presence is proof of the franchise’s new direction.

Along with Hunt, the Panthers’ new regime inked guard Damien Lewis. The duo was targeted early in free agency to help eradicate one of last season‘s most underwhelming positions. The additions also established a new tone for 2024.

“A lot of games can be dictated up front," Hunt said, adding he was “excited” upon hearing Lewis agreed to his four-year, $53 million deal. Despite the Panthers going an NFL-worst 2-15 in 2023, Hunt said the changes, hiring a young new coach in Dave Canales, and general manager Dan Morgan, piqued his interest.

“I kind of liked the situation,” he said. “I wanted to be part of something that trying to go in the right direction.”  

With a revolving door at guard last season, the Panthers struggled to protect Young. They allowed 65 sacks, tied with Washington for second-most in the league. It also yielded a QB pressure rate of 41.1%, the league’s fourth worst.   

With the offensively charged Miami Dolphins last season, the 6-foot-6, 335-pound Hunt allowed just one sack and three pressures. He earned a 76.4 efficiency rating, grading out as the league’s eighth-best guard, according to Pro Football Focus.  

Selected 39th overall in the 2020 draft, Hunt held off on splurging until he established himself as an NFL player.  With a $44 million guaranteed over the first two seasons, he admitted to himself the lightly recruited kid from rural Texas had arrived.

Hunt’s excitement level grew when he started discussing the Tesla Cybertruck, which starts at $81,895. He previously placed three backorders, but he’s still waiting for it to come through.  

“It’s really hard to get,” Hunt said. “So, if you know anybody, put it out in the open.”

Fuller, meanwhile, wants to create a unique atmosphere when he closes himself out to chill. In his evolving mancave, Fuller said he continues working to develop his music-making skills.

“It’s in me,” he said.  

Fuller’s mother, Cindy Mizelle, was a backup singer for high-profile acts, including Luther Vandross, Mariah Carey, Barbara Streisand, Whitney Houston, the Rolling Stones, Bruce Springsteen and Alicia Keys. When Mizelle was pregnant with Fuller, she was on tour with “Uncle Luther.”

Fuller, 26, earned a starting role as a rookie with the Los Angeles Rams. As a sophomore, he recorded a team-high 113 tackles. Twice named a team captain (2021 and ‘23), Fuller compiled 256 tackles, 17 passes defended, and seven interceptions in 48 games.  

The Panthers signed Fuller to help replace Vonn Bell, who was released, and Jeremy Chinn, who departed via free agency.  

Of his leadership style, Fuller said: “Just being myself. I just do it in my own way. At some point in time (with the Rams), people were telling me I was a leader. I really didn’t know. I was just being me.”
Talent flows through Fuller’s family.

Sinbad, the actor and comedian, is his uncle and one of his siblings, Devin, played wide receiver at UCLA.

No wonder Fullers enjoys his creative space.

It’s where he spoke from during his Zoom call.    

“This is where i come to disconnect and vibe out in this room,” he said. “In my next place, whatever my mancave is, I want to make it super dope. That’s my thing.”

Dope as in decorating the room with unique art, lights, video games and “whatever you want to disconnect ... chill ... take an exhale,” he said. “The environment just feels completely different than anything else. That’s what I want it to be.  

“That’s what I’m going to splurge on.”

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