The Carolina Panthers’ chapter in a feel-good underdog story may have just had its last word written.
As first reported by Pro Football Network lead NFL reporter Mike Kaye, the team has waived cornerback Tae Hayes.
The #Panthers are cutting CB Tae Hayes, per source. He will likely head to the practice squad if he gets through waivers.
— Mike Kaye (@mike_e_kaye) August 30, 2022
Hayes was signed back on Aug. 4, specifically when the defense saw a number of its corners sidelined following the early stages of training camp. In addition to the sudden retirement of veteran Rashaan Melvin, the Panthers dealt with injuries—to one degree or another—to Jaycee Horn, Keith Taylor Jr. and Duke Dawson.
The former USFL champion, who was added to help compensate for that string of unfortunate developments, would then make the most out of his opportunity.
In his first preseason outing, Hayes notched a team-high five tackles and two passes defensed against the Washington Commanders. He’d follow that up with a sparkling 50-yard interception return for a touchdown the next week in Carolina’s matchup with the New England Patriots.
As Kaye alluded to, Hayes can still return to the Panthers as a member of the practice squad.
