On Tuesday, the Carolina Panthers announced their initial 53-man roster. Carolina had to cut 27 players to get to this point. Let’s look at the moves they made in order to get their roster in shape for Week 1 against the Cleveland Browns.
Roster Moves
The Panthers acquired wide receiver Laviska Shenault from the Jacksonville Jaguars in exchange for a sixth- and seventh-round selection. This trade strengthened a wide receiver room that already had guys like D.J Moore and Robby Anderson. Carolina also traded offensive lineman Dennis Daley to the Tennessee Titans in exchange for a 2024 fifth-round pick.
Carolina cut notable veterans Brandon Zylstra, Kenny Robinson, and Justin Burris. Burris was likely cut because of the Xavier Woods signing.
One surprising cut was cornerback Tae Hayes, who had a great showing during the preseason.
Carolina moved kicker Zane Gonzalez to long-term injured reserve, ending his season. Gonzalez suffered his groin injury in the preseason versus the Buffalo Bills. In a corresponding move, Carolina signed Eddy Pineiro to a one-year deal.
Initial Roster
The Panthers ended up keeping three quarterbacks: Sam Darnold, Baker Mayfield, and P.J. Walker. At the moment, Darnold is on short-term injured reserve with a high ankle sprain. Carolina also held on to seven wide receivers, including preseason star Shi Smith.
As of right now, the Panthers are keeping nine offensive linemen, with rookie Ikem Ekwonu winning the starting job at tackle.
On special teams, the Panthers still have punter Johnny Hekker and long snapper J.J. Jansen in addition to Pineiro, the new addition. Shi Smith’s return game experience was a factor in Zylstra being cut.
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