A former second-round pick by the Buffalo Bills in 2021, has signed a reserve/futures contract with the Carolina Panthers. This move makes Basham the second veteran member of the New York Giants’ 2024 practice squad to find a new home. Earlier this offseason, wide receiver Isaiah Hodgins inked a similar deal with the San Francisco 49ers shortly after the regular season concluded.
Basham arrived in New York with promise but struggled to meet expectations. After two seasons in Buffalo, where he recorded 4.5 sacks in a part-time role, the Giants acquired him along with a 2025 seventh-round pick in exchange for a 2025 sixth-round selection. Despite the trade, Basham failed to make a significant impact in New York, logging just 280 defensive snaps across two seasons. His stat line included no sacks, a single quarterback hit, and 20 tackles—a far cry from the production expected of a former second-rounder.
During the 2024 season, Basham spent the majority of his time on the practice squad, appearing in only four games. While his tenure with the Giants didn’t pan out as hoped, the Panthers offer a fresh start and a chance to revitalize his career. Carolina will be looking to tap into the potential that once made Basham a top draft pick, particularly as they aim to bolster their defensive depth heading into the offseason.
The move signals a shift for the Giants as well, who are making changes to their roster after a disappointing 2024 campaign. Basham’s departure clears space for the team to continue retooling, while he gets an opportunity to prove himself with a new organization. As the Panthers invest in Basham’s future, fans will be watching to see if this change of scenery can spark the resurgence of his NFL career.
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