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Russell Baxter

Russell Baxter

Joined: Jan 27, 2025

Russell S. Baxter has been writing and researching the game of football for more than 40 years, and on numerous platforms. That includes television, as he spent more than two decades at ESPN, and was part of shows that garnered five Emmy Awards. He also spent the 2015 NFL season with Thursday Night Football on CBS/NFLN.

Nov 23, 2024; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Florida Gators defensive lineman Cam Jackson (99) celebrates after a sack against the Mississippi Rebels during the first half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images

Carolina Panthers make their biggest move of the draft in adding DT Cam Jackson

General manager Dan Morgan continues to add talent to the league’s worst defense in 2024. The latest addition brings significant size to the Panthers’ front.

Russell Baxter
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Jan 20, 2025; Atlanta, GA, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes safety Lathan Ransom (8) against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the CFP National Championship college football game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Panthers' newest addition to secondary could be a big hit in Carolina

General manager Dan Morgan addressed the Panthers’ defense for the third time in this year’s draft, and added a very physical presence to the team’s secondary.

Russell Baxter
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Dec 7, 2024; Atlanta, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs running back Trevor Etienne (1) rushes the ball against Texas Longhorns defensive back Andrew Mukuba (4) during the second half in the 2024 SEC Championship game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Scouting report for Carolina Panthers’ newest addition to running back corps

Given a big move this offseason by general manager Dan Morgan, the Carolina Panthers made a very surprising pick in the early stages of Round 4 on Saturday.

Russell Baxter
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Sep 28, 2024; Oxford, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi Rebels defensive linemen Princely Umanmielen (1) lines up before the snap during the second half against the Kentucky Wildcats at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

Scouting report for Carolina Panthers’ third-round pick, edge Princely Umanmielen

The Panthers were busy during the early stages of free agency. GM Dan Morgan was also very active on Day 2 of the NFL draft, and that’s an understatement.

Russell Baxter
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Oct 26, 2024; College Station, Texas, USA; Texas A&M Aggies defensive lineman Nic Scourton (11) defends in coverage against LSU Tigers offensive tackle Will Campbell (66) during the fourth quarter. The Aggies defeated the Tigers 38-23; at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images.

Scouting report for Carolina Panthers’ second-round pick edge rusher Nic Scourton

The Carolina Panthers moved up six spots in the second round on Friday looking to add some more talent to one of the worst pass rushes in the league in 2024.

Russell Baxter
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Jan 5, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) celebrates after a victory over the Atlanta Falcons in overtime at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Tet McMillan says Bryce Young ‘stood on the table’ for him in draft process

For the second straight year, Carolina bolstered its wide receiver room via a first-round pick. The Panthers’ starting quarterback did a little campaigning.

Russell Baxter
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Apr 24, 2025; Green Bay, WI, USA; NFL commissioner Roger Goodell with Arizona Wildcats wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan after he is selected by the Carolina Panthers as the number eight pick in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Scouting report for Carolina Panthers' first-round pick WR Tetairoa McMillan

Panthers’ quarterback Bryce Young must be smiling. For the second consecutive year, Carolina has used a first-round pick on a wide receiver.

Russell Baxter
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Jan 20, 1991; San Francisco, CA, USA; FILE PHOTO; San Francisco 49ers safety Ronnie Lott (42) on the field against the New York Giants during the 1990 NFC Championship Game at Candlestick Park. The Giants defeated the 49ers 15-13. Mandatory Credit: Tony Tomsic-USA TODAY NETWORK

Carolina Panthers: Ranking the Top 10 No. 8 overall selections in NFL draft history

It’s the 2025 NFL draft, and the Carolina Panthers once again have the eighth overall pick. There have been numerous star players selected at that slot.

Russell Baxter
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Sep 9, 2018; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers defensive end Julius Peppers (90) stands on the field in the first quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-Imagn Images

Panthers all-time best picks in each round of the NFL draft

The Carolina Panthers just wrapped up their 30th season in 2024. The team has taken part in many NFL drafts, and has selected its share of standout performers.

Russell Baxter
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Jan 20, 2025; Atlanta, GA, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish safety Xavier Watts (0) against the Ohio State Buckeyes during the CFP National Championship college football game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Panthers insider projects Round 2 trade up with Seahawks for Notre Dame defender

The Carolina Panthers’ defensive unit will obviously have numerous new faces in 2025. One writer has them being active trade-wise during this week’s NFL draft.

Russell Baxter
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Dec 21, 2024; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions defensive end Abdul Carter (11) reacts after sacking Southern Methodist Mustangs quarterback Kevin Jennings (7) during the third quarter in the first round of the College Football Playoff at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O'Haren-Imagn Images

2025 NFL draft: Analyst predicts Panthers will trade up for Abdul Carter

The Panthers have had trouble corralling opposing quarterbacks for two straight seasons. General manager Dan Morgan could make a big-time move in Round 1.

Russell Baxter
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Dec 22, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers linebacker Jadeveon Clowney (7) during the second half against the Arizona Cardinals at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

3 proposed trade destinations for Panthers pass-rusher Jadeveon Clowney

Three-time Pro Bowler Jadeveon Clowney tied for the team lead in sacks in 2024. Could the veteran defender be one-and-done with the Panthers?

Russell Baxter
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