Ryan Hayes

Ryan Hayes (born February 28, 2000) is an American professional football offensive tackle for the Carolina Panthers of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Michigan Wolverines.

Early life Hayes attended Traverse City West Senior High School where he was a two-way, three-sport athlete in high school. He played basketball, baseball and football, where he was as an all-state tight end and defensive end.

College career Hayes enrolled at Michigan in 2018, but did not appear in any games. Prior to his sophomore season, head coach Jim Harbaugh announced that Hayes would back up Jalen Mayfield and Jon Runyan Jr. As a sophomore in 2019, he played 12 games on the offensive line, including two starts. He made his collegiate debut on August 31, 2019, in a game against Middle Tennessee. He started at left tackle in place of fifth-year senior Runyan, who sat out due to an injury. He was the team's swing tackle after Runyan returned from injury. As a junior in 2020, he started the first two games at left tackle, however, he missed the remainder of the season due to injury, in a season that was shortened due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

As a senior in 2021 he started all 14 games at left tackle and helped lead the offensive line with the fewest sacks allowed (10) and third-fewest tackles for loss (27) nationally and won the Joe Moore Award. Following the season he was named second-team All-Big Ten. As a graduate student in 2022, he started 11 games, after missing the first game of the season due to injury. He helped lead the offensive line with 12 sacks allowed and a 5.97 sack-adjusted yards per carry, and again won the Joe Moore Award. Following the season he was again named second-team All-Big Ten. On November 21, 2022, he accepted an invite to the Senior Bowl.

Professional career

Miami Dolphins (first stint) Hayes was drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the seventh round, 238th overall, in the 2023 NFL draft. He was waived on August 29, 2023.

Indianapolis Colts Hayes was claimed off waivers by the Indianapolis Colts on August 30, 2023. He was waived on September 19.

Miami Dolphins (second stint) On September 22, 2023, Hayes was signed to the Dolphins practice squad. He signed a reserve/future contract on January 15, 2024.

Hayes was waived/injured by the Dolphins on August 27, 2024. He was re-signed to the practice squad on November 6. He signed a reserve/future contract with Miami on January 7, 2025.

On August 26, 2025, Hayes was waived by the Dolphins as part of final roster cuts.

Atlanta Falcons On August 28, 2025, Hayes was signed to the Atlanta Falcons' practice squad.

Tennessee Titans On February 17, 2026, Hayes signed a reserve/futures contract with the Tennessee Titans. On July 23, he was waived by the Titans.

Carolina Panthers On July 24, 2026, Hayes was claimed off waivers by the Carolina Panthers. He was waived/injured on August 29.