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Carolina Panthers Eddy Pineiro Facing Camp Competition

In the final season of his NFL contract, Carolina Panthers kicker Eddy Pineiro will duel with Harrison Mevis for a job next season.

As time expired and the game-winning field goal soared through the uprights at Bank of America Stadium, Eddy Pineiro jumped on the back of holder Johnny Hekker, who carried the Carolina Panthers’ kicker piggyback more than 30 yards.

Pineiro held up his right arm to celebrate the Panthers’ long-awaited first win last season. The 15-13 victory over the Houston Texans came during Week 8. Pineiro also connected on the game-winner against the visiting Atlanta Falcons during Week 15. The NFL-worse Panthers lost their other 15 matchups.

Pineiro Facing Camp Competition

Entering his third season with the franchise, Pineiro hoped he had earned long-term stability. Instead, he will face training camp competition from big-legged prospect Harrison Mevis.

Scheduled to become a free agent after 2024, Pineiro had been eager to negotiate an extension since at least last season. When one failed to materialize, Pineiro remained in Miami for much of the spring. Mevis, meanwhile, took advantage of his opportunity. The Pineiro-Mevis duel promises to be one of the Panthers’ prime summer position battles.

Harrison ‘Thiccer Kicker’ Mevis Gets Big NFL Chance 

First-year general manager Dan Morgan described Mevis’ presence as an indication of the new regime’s desire to create team-wide competition. While publicly excusing Pineiro for his Offseason Training Activities (OTAs) absences, rookie coach Dave Canales expressed confidence in the undrafted rookie. During a May 29 workout, Mevis connected on each attempt, including from 57 and 58 yards, Canales said during a press conference.

“He comes out here and everybody’s watching and he’s done a great job just being able to handle that kind of pressure,” Canales said. “He looks calm, he looks focused, so he’s doing a really good job.”   

Nicknamed “Thiccer Kicker” because of his 245-pound frame, Mevis connected on 83.5 percent of his field-goal attempts at Missouri. His game-winning, 61-yarder against Kansas State established an SEC record.  

With an annual average salary value of $2.05 million, Pineiro’s salary ranked 21st among league placekickers. During the final season of his deal, he is only guaranteed $150,000. It’s become clear Pineiro is content with his contract status.

Eddy Pineiro Skips Offseason Workouts  

When Pineiro arrived in Charlotte, N.C., for the start of mandatory minicamp on June 12, the 28-year-old described his offseason actions as “private.”

“My decision on that is kinda private right now between me and the Panthers,” Pineiro said. “So I’m not gonna comment on me missing anything.”

He understands the significance of 2024. After missing two games last season because of injury, Pineiro needs to prove to the Panthers’ brass he can remain healthy and consistent. He has hit 10 of 12 field goals from at least 50 yards. His 89-percent career success rate ranks third in NFL history for kickers with at least 100 attempts.

“My goal is to be No. 1,” Pineiro said. “So, that’s how I’m gonna attack this offseason. This is a big offseason for me.”

Hekker said during OTAs he was curious to witness how the upcoming kicking competition will develop during training camp, which starts July 24 at the new practice fields behind the stadium.

“(Mevis is) doing a good job, hitting a good ball,” Hekker said. “He’s got some great leg talent. I’m excited to see how he progresses. And with Eddy coming in, it should be nothing but a benefit for our team to have that competition.”

Main Photo: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

Jeff Hawkins

Jeff Hawkins

Jeff Hawkins is a two-time APSE award-winning sports writer with four decades of print and digital media experience. A freelancer since 2006, Hawkins spent his early career as a reporter/editor for various newspapers in Michigan, North Carolina, Florida, Upstate New York and Illinois.

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