We’re counting down the days until the Panthers open up the 2025 season!
There are 40 days until the first game of the 2025 season for the Carolina Panthers. Today, we’re taking a closer look at the the player currently wearing the No. 40 jersey — linebacker Tuasivi Nomura.
An undrafted free agent rookie
The Panthers signed Nomura to a three-year, nearly $3M contract as a undrafted free agent after the 2025 NFL Draft. Thomas, a 23-year old rookie out of Fresno State, fits a theme for the Panthers UDFA signings this season: he is an experienced player who had an extended college career due to COVID. He began his college career at the University of Southern California and flourished in his two final seasons after transferring to Fresno.
His 2024 season saw him earn first team All-Mountain West honors after ranking 13th in the FBS in solo tackles (66) and 36th in total tackles (110). He was also named team captain at the beginning of last season. He is an average NFL athlete, per RAS, who is often noted for his physicality on the field.
Nomura has a rare shot at making an impact on the Panthers roster beyond juscat special teams as an undrafted free agent. With the recent release of Josey Jewell, the Panthers are thin at inside linebacker. The opportunity for at that position is similar to that at the wide receiver group from 2014 to 2024.
For more on Nomura, check out this excellent pre draft interview that Windy City Gridiron, SB Nation’s Chicago Bears blog, did with him in March.