Lathan Ransom

Career StatsD

Year	Team	GP	INT	PD	Tkl
Career		16	1	2	51
2025		16	1	2	51

Updated Jun 17, 2026

Current Contract

Contract Value Index (CVI)

Among S contracts at this AAV tier, Lathan Ransom earns a D+ Contract Value Index. His 2025 season posted 51 tackles, 1 sack, and 1 interception across 16 games—solid foundational safety work that aligns with his fourth-round draft pedigree, but the statistical volume doesn't yet justify premium valuation. At $1.3M annually on a four-year rookie scale deal, Ransom occupies the sweet spot for developmental defensive backs: minimal cap commitment while the organization evaluates whether his clutch-moment heroics—the game-sealing interception against Tampa Bay, the Stafford sack in high-leverage situations—translate to sustainable starter-level consistency. At 23 in his rookie season, he has runway to prove this isn't flash; the media framing and coaching staff commentary suggest genuine confidence in his trajectory rather than panic-level underperformance, positioning him as a prospect earning his opportunity through on-field execution. The D+ reflects the gap between his promising narrative arc and the limited career production (one pick, two pass deflections) required to grade out higher—he's not overpaid, but he hasn't yet delivered the volume or elite metrics that would constitute a steal. If Ransom sustains the high-leverage impact that's fueled his "goat to hero" storyline heading into 2026, this contract could age beautifully; if the highlights fade into pedestrian safety tape, it remains an efficient short-term evaluation vehicle for a young prospect still finding his role.

Contracts in the Same Value Band

Other same-position deals the Contract Value Index also places in the D band — a quick read on where Lathan's contract sits relative to comparable money.

Performance Analysis

Lathan Ransom's tape and counting stats together earn a D performance grade. The 23-year-old rookie safety is operating well below the threshold for a solid starter at his position, and his 2025 season production—51 tackles, 1 sack, and 1 interception across 16 games—reflects a player still finding his footing at the NFL level rather than a franchise-caliber contributor. His interception stands as his most valuable counting stat, punctuated by high-leverage moments that media coverage has seized on as evidence of clutch instinct; however, that single takeaway against substantial snaps played underscores how inconsistent his overall ball-hawking remains. Durability is a bright spot—Ransom appeared in all 16 games, showing he can stay healthy and available for the Panthers' defensive rotation—but the tackle volume and lack of splash plays beyond that one interception suggest he remains a depth piece rather than a reliable force in the secondary. The mediaFraming paints an optimistic arc from early struggles to late-season heroics, positioning him as a prospect with genuine upside and organizational backing; his rookie scale contract at $1.3M annually provides zero cap burden while the team evaluates whether last season's clutch moments reflect true growth or statistical noise. To justify the cautiously positive sentiment and earn an upgrade from his current D-grade tier, Ransom will need to demonstrate sustained production and consistency across the 2026 season—one interception and limited sack production do not yet constitute a reliable defensive safety.

How Lathan Compares at the Position

Lathan Ransom ranks 156th of 196 graded safeties by performance. That slots Lathan between Jarius Monroe (D) just ahead and Dante Trader Jr. (D) just behind.

Current Sentiment

Lathan Ransom has cultivated an impressive "B" grade sentiment around the league, with media coverage painting him as a promising young safety who delivers in clutch moments for the Carolina Panthers. The narrative has shifted dramatically from early-career struggles to genuine optimism, fueled by high-leverage plays like his game-sealing interception against Tampa Bay and his sack of Matthew Stafford in crucial situations. At just $1.3M annually, Ransom represents exceptional value for a player generating "goat to hero" storylines that resonate with both local fans and national analysts tracking emerging defensive talent. While his limited career statistics (1 INT, 2 PDs) keep expectations measured, the media framing suggests coaching staff and front office confidence in his developmental trajectory as a legitimate NFL safety. The consensus view positions him as a solid starter-caliber player whose on-field execution has earned genuine opportunity and organizational backing, though sustained performance will be crucial to solidifying his reputation beyond the cautiously optimistic current sentiment.