You might’ve heard, but the Carolina Panthers (and the rest of the NFL) were very busy on Tuesday.
Every team cut down to their initial 53-man rosters this afternoon, shaping the early stages of the 2024 campaign. For Carolina, the big move left the locker room looking a bit different than expected, and even reopened some areas of concern from the offseason.
But with the team possessing the No. 1 wavier wire priority, they’ll have an upper hand in acquiring some meaningful depth at positions of need.
Here is a handful recently-cut players the Panthers should consider adding to its roster tomorrow afternoon.
WR Noah Brown
Brown was one of many standouts for Houston during their worst-to-first surge in 2023—recording 567 yards and two scores off 33 grabs. But in 2024, he was a bit buried on a depth chart that featured Nico Collins, Stefon Diggs and Tank Dell.
The 28-year-old is a smooth-handed player who knows how to get open and make competitive plays after the catch. He would provide more quality depth to Carolina’s wideout room.
TE Brayden Willis
Carolina’s release of veteran Jordan Matthews has left the door open for some youth at the tight end spot, specifically for some athleticism and receiving skills.
The 49ers waived Willis on Tuesday due to his lack of consistent blocking ability in a deep room of their own. The former Oklahoma Sooner would provide Carolina with another receiving option at tight end behind rookie Ja’Tavion Sanders.
EDGE Andre Carter II
A former draft community darling, Carter II fell to the numbers game in Minnesota despite a strong preseason.
The Panthers, who are carrying out just four outside linebackers from Tuesday, need more depth off the edge. At 6-foot-6, 256 pounds, Carter could provide steady depth as well as some presence on special teams.
EDGE K.J. Henry
Henry was once a five-star recruit and former standout with the Clemson Tigers. Coming to Carolina would make a lot of sense, particularly for a team in need of help within the position group.
Henry offers some special teams experience and could provide some explosiveness and pass rush prowess to the defense.
CB Darnay Holmes
Once a standout defensive back at UCLA, Holmes has had an up-and-down pro career.
Defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero is known for getting the best out of his players, no matter the talent or skill level. Holmes fits the bill as a competitive player who brings some ball production and athleticism to the table, and is worth kicking the tires on.
