The Carolina Panthers took it right down to the wire as Sunday’s roster deadline approached. While the mandated deadline was at 6pm ET, the team did not release their 53-man roster until 7:48pm ET and there were a few surprises – primarily on the defensive side of the ball.

Linebackers

Third year linebacker Trevin Wallace being waived was arguably one of the most shocking moves. Wallace, drafted by the Panthers in the third round in 2024, was battling Claudin Cherelus for the starting spot at linebacker all through training camp. He started all 12 games that he played in last season before a shoulder injury required season-ending surgery. The initial 53-man roster lists only three interior linebackers: Devin Lloyd, Cherelus, and rookie Jackson Kuwatch; but the team just announced an agreement to terms with vet Bobby Okereke.

Cornerbacks

There was another surprise in the cornerbacks room with second-year player Corey Thornton getting waived. An undrafted free agent, Thornton showed promise last season before breaking his leg in the Monday Night Football game against the 49ers. He had earned the starting nickel spot and looked to build upon that this year. Although he had an up-and-down camp, the decision to move on from him completely was a little surprising. The initial roster lists Jaycee Horn, Mike Jackson, Chau Smith-Wade, Will Lee III, and Akayleb Evans.

Safeties

Special teams matter and Isaiah Simmons being an ace on that unit led many to believe his spot on the 53 was safe – but it was not. The former No. 8 overall pick appeared in five games for Carolina last season but was released, and it is certainly expected that he will be brought back on the practice squad. A talented player that has been viewed as somewhat of a hybrid, Simmons had worked primarily at safety. That room currently consists of Tre’von Moehrig, Nick Scott, Lathan Ransom, and rookie Zakee Wheatley.

Outside Linebackers

This room has been pretty much set after the season-ending injury to promising second-year EDGE Nic Scourton on the first day of training camp. Thomas Incoom solidified his place in the room by continuing spectacular special teams play coming off shoulder surgery earlier in the summer. Carolina added Jaelan Phillips in free agency and get Pat Jones II back after losing him early last season. Princely Umanmielen and Trevis Gipson round out the room.

Defensive Linemen

This group is anchored by vet Derrick Brown but relatively young. Turk Wharton will be unavailable for at least the first four weeks after being placed on the reserve/PUP list. He continues to work back from the neck injury that kept him sidelined all of training camp. Bobby Brown III, Aaron Hall, Cam Jackson, rookie Lee Hunter and newly acquired TeRah Edwards round out the room.

Offense

Quarterbacks

This was the second-easiest position group to project – behind special teams. While Bryce Young and Kenny Pickett were expected, undrafted rookie Haynes King’s stock rose tremendously with his impressive showing in the Hall of Fame game. Although hampered by a hamstring injury sustained on his game-winning touchdown run, the front office saw enough promise to keep him around.

Running Backs

The running backs room was one of three on the offensive side of the ball where the numbers game could get tricky. An injury to 2025 fourth-round pick Trevor Etienne gave the Panthers a little bit of wiggle room. Etienne was placed on injured reserve which means he will miss at least the first four games of the regular season. He and AJ Dillon were in a battle for the RB3 role. Returning starter Chuba Hubbard is nursing an hamstring injury but expected to be a full-go for Week One while Jonathon Brooks is poised for a highly-anticipated return from his 2024 ACL tear.

Tight Ends

This is quite a perplexing group. Third year player Ja’Tavion Sanders, who began last season as the starter, has been listed as third string on all unofficial depth charts during preseason. Sanders, Tommy Tremble, and Mitchell Evans all bring different skillsets to the room and the addition of Darren Waller muddles things a bit. Add in special teams ace Feleipe Franks and the Panthers has five tight ends at the roster deadline. This all but ensures at least one of these players will be on the move when it’s all said and done.

Wide Receivers

When it comes to receivers, Carolina’s cup runneth over. While the room certainly rook a blow with the loss of 2026 third-round pick Chris Brazzell for the season, there were still tough decisions to be made. The youth movement ushered vet David Moore out as the Panthers elected to keep six wideouts. Anchored by reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year Tetairoa McMillan, the “big four” was pretty established early on. After McMillan, Jalen Coker, Xavier Legette, and Brycen Tremayne had all but solidified their roster spots. As camp went on, Jimmy Horn, Jr carved out a spot for himself and added return duties to his arsenal. The last spot was up for grabs between Moore, John Metchie III, and Ja’seem Reed, with Metchie slightly edging out Reed at the end of the day.

Offensive Line

As usual, the offensive line is having its share of the injury bug; making versatility and numbers a must. The initial roster carries ten offensive linemen. With tackles Ikem Ekwonu and Taylor Moton starting out on PUP and Non-Football Illness lists, respectively, the additions of Rasheed Walker and rookie Monroe Freeling are key. Starting guards Rob Hunt and Damien Lewis return, along with vets Brady Christensen and Chandler Zavala. Rookies Sam Hecht and Albert Reese, and offseason additions Luke Fortner, Stone Forsythe round out the room.

Special Teams

Barring injury, this was by far the easiest group to pencil in with the return of kicker Ryan Fitzgerald, punter Sam Martin, and long snapper JJ Jansen. Jansen, in his 18th season, has played in a franchise-record 227 games. Fitzgerald finished his rookie campaign 82.8% on field goals with a long of 57 yards. Martin, Week 7’s NFC Special Teams Player of the Week, re-signed with the Panthers in March.

While the initial cutdown has been completed, this roster is hardly set in stone. Check back for updates and transactions, as well as the establishment of the practice squad.