Panthers position battles: Can RB Trenton Cannon make the roster in 2020?

The Carolina Panthers signed RB Trenton Cannon off waivers from the New York Jets to compete for a roster spot in a crowded RB room.

The Panthers made a clear statement Tuesday when they signed Trenton Cannon less than a week after releasing undrafted rookie running back Rodney Smith: the team prefers a veteran presence at this position, at least for training camp.

The move by Carolina to release Smith last week was a surprising one. The team opted to release him instead of veteran back Mike Davis, despite an unusually high cap hit of $3 million this season. Rather than being “on the bubble,” Davis is benefitting from the lack of an NFL preseason, as coaches around the league focus on committing to real pro experience over raw potential.

Carolina chose experience yet again on Tuesday when they claimed Cannon, the third-year running back and kick returner waived by the Jets late Monday afternoon.

While Cannon lacks the experience of Davis, he has the advantage of an extra year of experience over Jordan Scarlett and Reggie Bonnafon. Cannon (5-foot-11, 185 pounds) was drafted by New York in the sixth round of the 2018 NFL draft, impressing scouts with his kick return reputation and open-field playmaking ability. In his senior year at Virginia State, Cannon utilized his speed (4.40 40-yard dash) to return 25 kicks for 821 yards and two touchdowns.

However, after joining a crowded Jets backfield, Cannon rarely saw action. In 2018, Cannon played 19% of their offensive snaps, but in 2019 he recorded no stats thanks to multiple foot injuries that held him out of all but four games. Cannon spent those four games mostly on special teams coverage, where Carolina has struggled as of late.

Now, he joins another crowded backfield in Carolina. Davis has the advantage of seniority over the rest, but Bonnafon has all but solidified his backup role behind potential future Hall of Famer Christian McCaffrey. The Panthers also have 2019 fifth-round pick Jordan Scarlett, who failed to see any significant playing time as a rookie. Expect to see Cannon compete with Scarlett for the RB4 spot through training camp.

So, what does Cannon bring to the table?

Let’s take a look at what he can do on special teams.

Cannon also shows off his speed in college in this clip.

And finally, here Cannon displays his explosive burst and field vision getting past the second level against the Falcons.

Cannon has work to do, but if he can outwork and outperform Scarlett these next few weeks, he might have a leg up to make the team.

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