Tag: David Moore

Carolina Panthers players who are free agents in 2025

With the trade deadline now behind us, let’s take a look at the Panthers who are set to become free agents following the 2024 season:

(This story was updated to add new information.)

The 2024 NFL trade deadline has come and gone, and it didn’t go without a few moves from the Carolina Panthers.

Last week, the team shipped off wideout Diontae Johnson to the Baltimore Ravens in a trade involving a late-round pick swap for the 2025 draft. And yesterday, in a much more favorable return, they sent fellow receiver Jonathan Mingo over to the Dallas Cowboys.

So now that those departures are official, we could start looking ahead towards free agency for quite a few more.

Here are Panthers whose contracts are set to expire following the season:

  • QB Andy Dalton
  • RB Chuba Hubbard (Signed four-year extension)
  • RB Raheem Blackshear (RFA)
  • WR David Moore
  • WR Jalen Coker (ERFA)
  • TE Tommy Tremble
  • TE Ian Thomas
  • TE Feleipe Franks (RFA)
  • OL Brady Christensen
  • OL Cade Mays
  • C Austin Corbett
  • DL LaBryan Ray
  • DL DeShawn Williams
  • DL Jonathan Harris
  • DL Raequan Williams (ERFA)
  • OLB Charles Harris
  • OLB Thomas Incoom
  • OLB Cam Gill
  • ILB Shaq Thompson
  • CB Mike Jackson
  • CB Lonnie Johnson Jr.
  • CB Anthony Brown
  • S Xavier Woods
  • S Jordan Fuller
  • S Sam Franklin Jr.
  • S Nick Scott
  • S Demani Richardson (ERFA)
  • K Eddy Piñeiro
  • P Johnny Hekker
  • LS JJ Jansen

*RFA = Restricted free agent
*ERFA = Exclusive rights free agent

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Panthers Week 7 injury report: 6 players ruled out vs. Commanders

The Panthers will be without a handful of starters in Week 7.

The Carolina Panthers defense will be without even more of their starters in Week 7.

Six players have been ruled out ahead of Sunday’s matchup against the Washington Commanders—including defensive lineman A’Shawn Robinson (ankle) as well as inside linebackers Josey Jewell (hamstring/groin) and Claudin Cherelus (hamstring). Cherelus got the starting nod in place of Jewell in last week’s loss to the Atlanta Falcons.

On offense, the team will be without starting right tackle Taylor Moton (elbow) for the second straight outing and rookie running back Jonathon Brooks (knee). After being sidelined for the offseason and the first six weeks of the regular season, Brooks was officially designated to return to practice on Wednesday.

In addition, wide receiver Diontae Johnson (ankle)—who returned to the field on Friday after missing the two previous practices—has been listed as questionable.

Here’s Friday’s injury report in full:

Injury Wednesday Thursday Friday Game status
LB Claudin Cherelus Hamstring DNP DNP DNP Out
LB Josey Jewell Hamstring/groin DNP DNP DNP Out
WR Diontae Johnson Ribs/hamstring/ankle DNP DNP Limited Questionable
OT Taylor Moton Elbow DNP DNP DNP Out
LB Jon Rhattigan Knee/illness DNP DNP DNP Out
DL A’Shawn Robinson Ankle DNP DNP DNP Out
RB Jonathon Brooks Knee Limited DNP Limited Out
OLB Jadeveon Clowney Shoulder DNP DNP Limited Doubtful
WR David Moore Knee Limited Limited Limited Questionable
DL LaBryan Ray Ankle/knee Limited Limited Limited Questionable
C Andrew Raym Concussion Limited Full Full –
S Nick Scott Hamstring Limited Full Limited –
TE Tommy Tremble Concussion Limited Full DNP Questionable
CB Dane Jackson Hamstring Full Full Full Questionable
DL Jaden Crumedy Ankle Full Full Full Doubtful
S Sam Franklin Jr. Foot Full Full Full Doubtful
OT Ikem Ekwonu Elbow Limited Full –
OLB Marquis Haynes Sr. Back Limited Full –
TE Ian Thomas Hip Limited Full –
OT Yosh Nijman Knee Full Limited Questionable

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Panthers WR Diontae Johnson misses 2nd straight practice on Thursday

Panthers WR Diontae Johnson was held out of practice once again on Thursday.

The Carolina Panthers were without their No. 1 receiver for the second straight day this week.

After being held out of Wednesday’s practice, wideout Diontae Johnson did not participate in Thursday’s session. Johnson—who leads the team in receptions (29), receiving yards (340) and receiving touchdowns (three)—has been dealing with an ankle injury.

Fellow starter and outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney also remained sidelined. The three-time Pro Bowler injured his shoulder during the Week 5 loss to the Chicago Bears.

Joining them was right tackle Taylor Moton, who missed the very first game of his NFL career this past Sunday due to an elbow issue.

Here’s Thursday’s injury report in its entirety:

Injury Wednesday Thursday Friday Game status
LB Claudin Cherelus Hamstring DNP DNP
CB Troy Hill Rest DNP Full
RB Chuba Hubbard Rest DNP Full
LB Josey Jewell Hamstring/groin DNP DNP
WR Diontae Johnson Ankle DNP DNP
OT Taylor Moton Elbow DNP DNP
LB Jon Rhattigan Knee/illness DNP DNP
DL A’Shawn Robinson Ankle DNP DNP
RB Jonathon Brooks Knee Limited DNP
OLB Jadeveon Clowney Shoulder DNP DNP
WR David Moore Knee Limited Limited
DL LaBryan Ray Ankle/knee Limited Limited
C Andrew Raym Concussion Limited Full
S Nick Scott Hamstring Limited Full
TE Tommy Tremble Concussion Limited Full
CB Dane Jackson Hamstring Full Full
DL Jaden Crumedy Ankle Full Full
S Sam Franklin Jr. Foot Full Full
OT Ikem Ekwonu Elbow Limited
OLB Marquis Haynes Sr. Back Limited
TE Ian Thomas Hip Limited
OT Yosh Nijman Knee Full

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Panthers WR Diontae Johnson, 8 others held out from Wednesday’s practice

WR Diontae Johnson and OT Taylor Moton were among the 9 Panthers who did not participate in today’s practice.

(This story was updated to add new information.)

The Carolina Panthers are beginning Week 7 with one heck of an injury report.

Eight players, including wideout Diontae Johnson and right tackle Taylor Moton, were held out of this afternoon’s practice.

Johnson, per head coach Dave Canales, is expected to be back for Thursday’s session. The team’s leading receiver has been nursing ankle and groin injuries throughout the season.

Moton, meanwhile, remains “day-to-day.” The eighth-year hog molly missed the very first game of his NFL career this past Sunday due to a triceps injury.

Outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney, who missed Week 6’s loss to the Atlanta Falcons, also did not participate. (Clowney’s initial listing as a “limited’ participant was officially changed by the team following the release of today’s injury report.)

Injury Wednesday Thursday Friday Game status
LB Claudin Cherelus Hamstring DNP
CB Troy Hill Rest DNP
RB Chuba Hubbard Rest DNP
LB Josey Jewell Hamstring/groin DNP
WR Diontae Johnson Ankle DNP
OT Taylor Moton Elbow DNP
LB Jon Rhattigan Knee/illness DNP
DL A’Shawn Robinson Ankle DNP
RB Jonathon Brooks Knee Limited
OLB Jadeveon Clowney Shoulder DNP
WR David Moore Knee Limited
DL LaBryan Ray Ankle/knee Limited
C Andrew Raym Concussion Limited
S Nick Scott Hamstring Limited
TE Tommy Tremble Concussion Limited
CB Dane Jackson Hamstring Full
DL Jaden Crumedy Ankle Full
S Sam Franklin Jr. Foot Full

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How Adam Thielen’s absence could affect the Panthers offense

Adam Thielen will miss some time with a hamstring injury. How will his absence affect a freshly-rejuvenated Panthers offense?

The vibes were pretty much immaculate for the Carolina Panthers this past Sunday—as they stunned the Las Vegas Raiders in an electric, feel-good 36-22 win. Heck, the recently-demoted Bryce Young even appeared to be having some fun from the bench.

But not all was well.

Nearly halfway through the Week 3 upset, quarterback Andy Dalton found wideout Adam Thielen for an absolute beauty of a 31-yard touchdown connection. The receiving end of the score, however, resulted in a hamstring injury for Thielen—one that will sideline the veteran for at least four weeks.

That, of course, isn’t great news—especially for an offense that has just come to life under their new starting quarterback. Even at 34 years old, Thielen is still a featured piece of Carolina’s puzzle.

So, what should we expect to see on offense in his absence?

Here are a few thoughts . . .

The importance of Diontae Johnson

Steve Marcus/Getty Images

Johnson was considered a key cog for Carolina’s passing game as soon as he was acquired back in March. Heck, he’s the cog.

Here’s what head coach Dave Canales had to say this summer about shaping the aerial attack around the former Pro Bowl wideout:

“As we build our offense, we really try to feature someone. And for us right now—where’s Diontae Johnson at? We have our progressions and we’re gonna move him around our formation. But the rest of the guys have to come alive as the coverage is dictated.”

Johnson himself has come alive after a deathly-quiet start—notching a career-high 122 receiving yards and a touchdown on eight grabs in Week 3. That performance saw him targeted a total of 14 times by Dalton, who was at his most decisive when looking Johnson’s way.

We saw a similar dynamic from Dalton’s lone start in 2023, when he found Thielen for 11 catches, 145 yards and a score on 14 targets against the Seattle Seahawks. Like Johnson, Thielen is seen as a go-to receiver by Dalton—which would’ve given Carolina two very safe and reliable options moving forward.

But now that there’s one, it’s up to Johnson to solidify his role as Dalton’s best bud.

It’s time for the youngsters to step up

Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

A certain first-round receiver was jonesing for some action recently. And well, he’s probably going to be getting it.

Rookie Xavier Legette will presumably step up into a more featured position. The explosive 6-foot-3, 227-pounder is already reaping the benefits under a new quarterback, as he ripped off a 35-yard catch-and-run from Dalton on Sunday.

He should be joined by Jonathan Mingo, who is looking to make some sort of positive statement after a disappointing rookie campaign in 2023. The next man up on the depth chart, Mingo should get more burn in the absence of Thielen.

Oh, and don’t overlook Jalen Coker either. The undrafted rookie, who has now been promoted to the active roster in Thielen’s absence, quickly caught Canales’ eye in the spring and went on to be Carolina’s leading receiver in the summer.

Who mans the slot?

Grant Halverson/Getty Images

Thielen was deployed mostly out of the slot, where he saw 73.1 percent of his snaps. His 57 looks from the inside also lead the offense.

But who will take the reins on that spot now?

Canales might not be afraid to get creative. As the offensive coordinator of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2023, he played the 6-foot-5, 231-pound Mike Evans out of the slot on 29.4 percent of his snaps—the fourth-highest mark of the future Hall of Famer’s 11-year career.

The highest shares from the slot, however, showed up with the speedsters. Trey Palmer and Deven Thompkins, whom the Panthers rostered this offseason, led the Bucs in slot deployment at 55.4 percent and 64.7 percent, respectively.

Carolina, however, doesn’t really have a speedy slot merchant. Outside of Johnson, Legette, Mingo and Coker, the only other wideout on the active roster is veteran David Moore.

So, yeah, creativity will likely have to come into play. And as of now, Mingo has seen the second-most looks out of the slot (30) through Week 3.

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Ihmir Smith-Marsette ‘celebrates’ his birthday after being cut by Panthers

The Panthers cut WR Ihmir Smith-Marsette a day before his 25th birthday.

Before cutting a cake on Thursday, wideout Ihmir Smith-Marsette dealt with a cut of his own this afternoon.

On Wednesday, the 24-year-old receiver was one of six players waived by the Carolina Panthers. And yeah, it just so happens that the move literally went down a day before his 25th birthday.

Nevertheless, Smith-Marsette took to Twitter/X to “celebrate” shortly after the news broke . . .

Smith-Marsette appeared in all 17 games for Carolina during the 2023 campaign, where he served as the team’s primary punt returner. The speedster totaled 322 yards on a league-high 37 punt returns, including a 79-yard touchdown against the Chicago Bears in Week 10.

But with Smith-Marsette off the roster and on waivers (at least for now), the Panthers must find his replacement on return duties. Head coach Dave Canales offered a few options following Wednesday’s practice.

“Raheem Blackshear, he’s a fantastic returner. He can do both,” Canales said to reporters. “David Moore can also do both. Mike Boone has been a returner in his past. So those are some of the guys that we’re really counting on.”

In any event . . . happy birthday, Ihmir!

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Panthers HC Dave Canales asked about OLB, CB, punt returner jobs

Panthers HC Dave Canales offered some insight into a few of the team’s biggest question marks.

Amazingly enough, the Carolina Panthers’ big roster cutdown did not give us clearer answers on a number of question marks throughout the starting unit. In fact, Tuesday’s and Wednesday’s moves may have even clouded the situation for those on the outside looking in.

But head coach Dave Canales seems to have a decent outlook.

Canales spoke with reporters following this afternoon’s practice, and was asked if the newly-acquired Michael (or Mike) Jackson is the favorite to start alongside Jaycee Horn at the cornerback position.

“It looks like that right now. But again, adding these guys—kinda hopeful to see what they can bring to us and see how quickly they can assimilate into our system,” Canales said of the team’s latest additions.

“Michael has experience in this scheme the last couple of years in Seattle. So, he’s fully aware of what’s expected of him from a scheme standpoint, and he’s the right style of player. He’s exactly what we look for. He shows up tough and physical at the ball, he’s got speed, he’s got size, all those things. Just an accountable guy.”

The Panthers traded for Jackson in exchange for 2024 seventh-round pick and linebacker Michael Barrett last Thursday. They also placed waiver claims on three cornerbacks earlier this afternoon—Keenan Isaac, Shemar Bartholomew and Tariq Castro-Fields.

Canales was later asked about the other starting position in question on the defense—the No. 2 job off the edge next to Jadeveon Clowney.

“Yeah, up for grabs still,” he stated. “This is a group of guys that’s worked really hard through camp and just gonna continue to see what DJ [Johnson], Eku [Leota], K’Lavon [Chaisson] can bring to us.”

Clowney, Johnson, Leota and Chaisson were the only four outside linebackers announced to the team’s initial 53-man roster. Carolina has since looked to add a few more at the spot—including former Seahawk Jamie Sheriff.

And next, the punt returner duties—left vacant by today’s release of wide receiver Ihmir Smith-Marsette.

“Raheem Blackshear, he’s a fantastic returner. He can do both,” Canales later said. “David Moore can also do both. Mike Boone has been a returner in his past. So those are some of the guys that we’re really counting on.”

With the first game of the regular season set for Sunday, Sept. 8, Canales and the Panthers will have about a week to find their answers.

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Initial 53-man roster projection for the 2024 Panthers

Here is our final projection for the Panthers’ initial 2024 53-man roster:

Now that the preseason is officially in the books, the Carolina Panthers have another task to tackle—the big cutdown.

Between now and 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday, the Panthers and the rest of the NFL’s 31 teams must get down to their initial 53-player rosters.

Here is our final projection for Carolina’s initial 53:

Quarterbacks (2)

In: Bryce Young, Andy Dalton
Out: Jack Plummer

Plummer impressed in the summer finale, completing 21 of his 29 passes for 278 yards and two touchdowns. But that still won’t be enough to devote a third spot on the roster to a quarterback.

Running backs (4)

In: Chuba Hubbard, Miles Sanders, Raheem Blackshear, Mike Boone
Out: Jaden Shirden
Reserve/NFI list: Jonathon Brooks

Boone has benefitted from the inactivity of both Blackshear and Brooks, who isn’t expected back for at least a handful of weeks into the regular season. And luckily for the former, his successful track record as a kick returner keeps him around.

Wide receivers (6)

In: Diontae Johnson, Adam Thielen, Xavier Legette, Jonathan Mingo, Ihmir Smith-Marsette, David Moore
Out: Terrace Marshall Jr., Michael Strachan, Jalen Coker, Sam Pinckney

The sixth and final spot came down to Marshall Jr. and Moore. Moore’s experience on special teams and his previous history with head coach Dave Canales in both Seattle and Tampa Bay give him the edge.

Tight ends (4)

In: Tommy Tremble, Ian Thomas, Ja’Tavion Sanders, Jordan Matthews
Out: Feleipe Franks, Jacob Hollister, Jesper Horsted

Matthews earned his spot with a spectacular summer. The 32-year-old opened the preseason with a team-high 48 receiving yards in New England and ended it with a touchdown to kick off the last outing in Buffalo.

Offensive linemen (9)

In: Ikem Ekwonu, Damien Lewis, Austin Corbett, Robert Hunt, Taylor Moton, Brady Christensen, Yosh Nijman, Cade Mays, Chandler Zavala
Out: Ricky Lee, Jeremiah Crawford, Mason Brooks, Andrew Raym, Jack Anderson, Ike Boettger, Tyler Smith

Given that he’s the only true center on the roster, Raym has a shot to stick on. But the versatility of backups such as Nijman, Christensen and Mays allows the Panthers to keep the number of hog mollies at nine.

Defensive linemen (5)

In: Derrick Brown, A’Shawn Robinson, Shy Tuttle, Nick Thurman, LaBryan Ray
Out: Jaden Crumedy, T.J. Smith, Ulomoo Ale, Jayden Peevy, Walter Palmore, Junior Aho

Crumedy, the team’s sixth-round selection from this spring, could be in trouble while dealing a high-ankle sprain. So could Smith, who’d be a favorite to sneak back on as a practice squad member after recording a pair of sacks this preseason.

Outside linebackers (5)

In: Jadeveon Clowney, K’Lavon Chaisson, DJ Johnson, Eku Leota, Luiji Vilain
Out: Cam Gill, Derrick McLendon, Kenny Dyson
Reserve/Physically unable to perform list: D.J. Wonnum, Amaré Barno

Vilain and Gill could be battling for the fifth locker. But if it actually doesn’t go to either, look for the Panthers to pick up a pass rusher off the street.

Inside linebackers (4)

In: Shaq Thompson, Josey Jewell, Trevin Wallace, Claudin Cherelus
Out: Chandler Wooten, Tae Davis, Aaron Beasley

Canales does not take special teams prowess for granted. Cherelus and Wooten could claim spots with theirs.

Cornerbacks (6)

In: Jaycee Horn, Michael Jackson, Troy Hill, Chau Smith-Wade, Dicaprio Bootle, D’Shawn Jamison
Out: Willie Drew, Chris Wilcox, Quandre Mosely
Injured: Dane Jackson

The “significant” hamstring injury to Jackson (Dane, that is) could force the Panthers to keep a few outside options—including both Bootle and Jamison.

Safeties (5)

In: Xavier Woods, Jordan Fuller, Nick Scott, Jammie Robinson, Alex Cook
Out: Demani Richardson, Rudy Ford
Injured: Sam Franklin Jr.

As Canales has stated, there’s no replacing Franklin Jr.—who will be out for quite a bit while healing up a broken foot. Cook, however, could give the Panthers a little bit back on special teams.

Specialists (3)

In: Eddy Piñeiro, Johnny Hekker, JJ Jansen

Well, nothing to see here.

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Panthers HC Dave Canales gives update on team’s WR competition

How are the guys behind Diontae Johnson, Adam Thielen and Xavier Legette looking? Panthers HC Dave Canales gave us an update on Saturday.

There’s plenty of buzz surrounding new Carolina Panthers wide receivers Diontae Johnson and Xavier Legette heading into the 2024 season. But what about the guys behind them?

Head coach Dave Canales hit the lectern after wrapping up the third practice of training camp on Saturday morning. He was asked how the team’s wideout competition—particularly the one behind the projected top three options of Johnson, Legette and Adam Thielen—has panned out thus far.

“Man, you see [Jonathan] Mingo, Terrace Marshall—really showin’ who they are,” he replied. “David Moore—you throw the ball his way, he comes up with it. So I’ve really seen those guys come through and we can depend on them.

“It’s a really good room. Really good competition. Some different style of players. Ihmir [Smith-Marsette] making some nice plays today. So it’s something that we’re counting on.”

Before heading the ship here in Charlotte and his days as a “quarterback whisperer,” Canales spent a good chunk of his NFL career as a wide receivers coach. The former Azusa Pacific University pass catcher led the position group for Pete Carroll and the Seattle Seahawks from 2010 to 2017—an eight-year run where he worked with the likes of Golden Tate, Doug Baldwin, Tyler Lockett and D.K. Metcalf.

So, yeah, Canales probably knows what he’s looking at when it comes to this spot. And now, he’s hoping his current receivers keep their heads (and hands) in the right direction.

“We talk about creating that competition and challenging every position—and that’s exactly what we want,” Canales added. “We wanna make sure everybody’s pursuin’ their best. They’re not looking left and right. They’re just focusing on their execution and we’re getting good execution out of those guys right now.”

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Former Bucs WR David Moore agrees to terms with Panthers

Former Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver David Moore is following Dave Canales to the division-rival Carolina Panthers

Former Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver David Moore is following his old offensive coordinator to a division rival.

Moore is signing a one-year deal with the Carolina Panthers, reuniting with former Bucs play-caller Dave Canales, who was hired as the head coach of Tampa Bay’s NFC South rivals earlier in the offseason.

Moore made two of the biggest plays of the season for the Bucs last year, showing off his impressive speed and after-the-catch ability in some clutch moments.

Now, he rejoins Canales for the rival Panthers, as they look to rebuild with second-year quarterback Bryce Young.

The Bucs still have some promising youth behind Mike Evans and Chris Godwin (Trey Palmer, Rakim Jarrett), but it wouldn’t be surprising if they looked to add more depth and experience to their wide receiver room this offseason.

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