The Carolina Panthers hosted the Cleveland Browns for their first preseason game on Friday and lost 10-30. They will officially transition into Week 4 of training camp this week and will face off against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium on Saturday. The Panthers currently have four of the ideal five starting offensive lineman positions filled in, with three players vying for the final starting spot.
The Carolina Panthers have three players competing for the center vacancy
Carolina Panthers, Joe Gilbert
Jul 23, 2025; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers offensive line coach Joe Gilbert heads to the field for training camp. Mandatory Credit: Scott Kinser-Imagn Images
Austin Corbett, Cade Mays, and Brady Christensen are vying for the starting center vacancy, and all three players have experience in that role. Corbett began 2024 as the starting center before suffering a season-ending biceps tear in Week 5. While Christensen initially took over for him and started Weeks 6-8 and 16, Mays eventually replaced him and started Weeks 9-15 and 17-18.
Also Read: Carolina Panthers: Former 3rd-Round Pick Has a Golden Opportunity to Thrive at New Position, Carolina Panthers: Suddenly Ruled Out Interior Offensive Lineman With 6 Starts
Carolina Panthers announce the starting center for 2025
Carolina Panthers, Austin Corbett
Aug 8, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers center Austin Corbett (63) mugs for the camera during the fourth quarter against the Cleveland Browns at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Kinser-The USAToday Network via Imagn Images
So far, Austin Corbett has taken most of the first-team reps throughout training camp and even started against the Cleveland Browns on Friday. Cade Mays has also alternated with the starting offense and served as the backup center, while Brady Christensen has primarily lined up at left tackle. During Monday’s press conference, Dave Canales announced that Corbett has won the starting center battle, as reported by Mike Kaye of The Charlotte Observer.
Austin Corbett is the #Panthers starting center.
— Mike Kaye (@mike_e_kaye) August 11, 2025
Dave Canales explained why Austin Corbett won
Carolina Panthers, Austin Corbett
Aug 2, 2025; Charlottle, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers center Austin Corbett (63) during Fanfest at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
“I mean, it was a really close competition, and I think Corbett just kind of brings a level of leadership that just kind of edged him out, in my opinion,” Canales said, via the team’s website. “So, again, competition brings out the best in both guys, and I was really proud of the way that they competed.”
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