The fastest man on the Carolina Panthers roster could be gone in a flash.
As first reported by Josh Klein of The Riot Report, the team has cut cornerback Kalon Barnes. Barnes was selected by Carolina in the seventh round of the 2022 NFL draft this past April.
Panthers have released CB Kalon Barnes, per league source.
Would be a candidate for practice squad if he clears waivers.
— Josh Klein (@joshkleinrules) August 30, 2022
Before being plucked to the pros by Panthers head coach Matt Rhule, Barnes was plucked into the college game by Bears head coach Matt Rhule. The Silsbee, Texas native spent four years at Baylor University, where he transitioned from a wide receiver to a corner following his freshman campaign.
Barnes then turned heads (and stopwatches) at this year’s combine. There, he ran the 40-yard dash at a sizzling 4.23 seconds—the quickest amongst all players at the event.
He was also swift with the pen, as he became the first member of Carolina’s 2022 draft class to ink his rookie deal.
If the 23-year-old clears waivers, he is a strong candidate to land back on the team’s practice squad.
