After the NFL’s roster deadline on August 29, 2024, the Carolina Panthers made a series of decisive moves, cutting and signing players as they finalized their 53-man roster for the upcoming season. The roster deadline, a significant milestone in the NFL offseason, compels teams to reduce their rosters from 90 players down to 53, leading to a flurry of transactions across the league. The Panthers, under head coach Frank Reich and general manager Scott Fitterer, were no exception, making strategic decisions to shape their team for the 2024 season.
**Signings and Practice Squad Moves**
One of the Panthers’ notable moves was the signing of veteran linebacker Anthony Barr. Barr, a former Minnesota Vikings star, brings a wealth of experience to Carolina’s defense. His addition was seen as a response to the Panthers’ need for depth and leadership in their linebacking corps, particularly after injuries and inconsistent play during the preseason. Barr’s versatility and ability to play both inside and outside linebacker make him a valuable asset in defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero’s scheme.
The Panthers also made moves to bolster their offensive line, signing guard Andrew Norwell. Norwell, who previously played for the Panthers from 2014 to 2017, is a familiar face in Carolina. His return provides the team with a reliable and experienced option in the interior of the offensive line, an area of concern throughout the offseason. Norwell’s familiarity with the organization and his proven track record as a solid pass protector make him a key signing as the team looks to protect rookie quarterback Bryce Young.
In addition to these signings, the Panthers made several practice squad moves, aiming to keep promising talent within the organization. Notable among these was the retention of wide receiver Derek Wright and defensive end Kobe Jones. Both players had strong showings during the preseason and training camp, and the Panthers’ decision to keep them on the practice squad reflects their potential to contribute during the regular season.
**Cuts and Surprising Releases**
The roster cuts saw the Panthers part ways with several players who had been competing for spots throughout training camp. One of the most surprising releases was that of running back Spencer Brown. Brown, who had shown flashes of potential, was expected to provide depth behind starting running back Miles Sanders. However, with the emergence of Raheem Blackshear and a strong preseason from Chuba Hubbard, Brown was deemed expendable.
Another notable cut was veteran wide receiver Adam Thielen. Thielen, who was signed in the offseason to provide experience and leadership to a young receiving corps, struggled to make an impact during the preseason. The Panthers’ decision to release Thielen was likely influenced by the strong performances of younger receivers such as Terrace Marshall Jr. and Jonathan Mingo.
The Panthers also released several defensive players, including cornerback Keith Taylor and safety Sam Franklin. Both players had been key contributors on special teams and provided depth in the secondary, but the coaching staff opted to go in a different direction, favoring younger players with higher upside.
**Looking Ahead**
With these moves, the Carolina Panthers have crafted a roster they believe is capable of competing in the highly competitive NFC South. The team’s combination of veteran leadership and young talent, particularly with Bryce Young at the helm, signals a transitional period aimed at returning the Panthers to playoff contention. The flurry of signings and cuts highlights the team’s commitment to building a balanced roster that can adapt to the challenges of the upcoming season.
