Nick Scott signed with the Carolina Panthers before the 2024 season, but was limited to just 10 games (four starts) due to a hamstring injury. He bounced back in 2025 with 111 tackles (64 solo), three passes defended and one interception in 17 games played. Scott entered free agency after the season, eventually returning to the Panthers on a one-year, $3.25 million contract to reprise his role as the team's starting safety next to Tre'von Moehrig. Scott logged 762 of his 1,035 snaps as free safety, which allowed the team to deploy Moehrig all over the field. Even though Scott has experience and familiarity with the defense, he will be in competition throughout the season with 2025 fourth-round pick Lathan Ransom and 2026 fifth-round pick Zakee Wheatley. Scott isn't an impact player in coverage and has been inconsistent as a tackler throughout his career, so Ransom and Wheatley may have a chance to prove themselves in 2026.