Jacoby Windmon: Everything you need to know

Windmon tallied 22 total tackles, including 1.5 sacks, and defended two passes across eight games in 2024. Windmon, an undrafted rookie from Michigan State, was signed off the Steelers' practice squad in mid-October but didn't play a defensive snap until the Panthers' Week 15 loss to the Cowboys. The 23-year-old flashed potential during his two starts, recording 18 total tackles, including 1.5 sacks, and two passes defended over Weeks 16 and 17. Windmon's performances as a starter likely secured him a roster spot in Carolina for 2025, though he's expected to return to a reserve role.

Windmon registered 10 tackles (seven solo), including 0.5 sacks, and one pass defense during Sunday's 48-14 loss to the Buccaneers. Windmon started at inside linebacker for a second straight week Sunday due to Trevin Wallace (shoulder) and Claudin Cherelus (toe) both being on injured reserve. Windmon combined with Jaden Crumedy for a two-yard sack on Baker Mayfield late in the first quarter, and Windmon finished the game as the Panthers' third-leading tackler behind Chandler Wooten (14) and Xavier Woods (12). Windmon has tallied 18 tackles (11 solo), including 1.5 sacks, and two pass defenses over his two starts and will likely see a heavy workload in the Panthers' regular-season finale against the Falcons next Sunday.

Windmon recorded eight total tackles (four solo), including 1.0 sacks, and defended one pass in Sunday's 36-30 overtime win over the Cardinals. Before Sunday's overtime win, Windmon had played just two defensive snaps over five games this season. However, with Trevin Wallace (knee) sidelined for the remainder of the year, Windmon started alongside Josey Jewell and served as one of the Panthers' top inside linebackers in Week 16. The Michigan State product impressed in his first start, notching the first sack and pass defended of his career. Windmon's performance Sunday likely secured him a starting spot moving forward, and he's expected to serve as one of Carolina's starting linebackers in the Week 17 matchup against the Buccaneers.