Panthers coach Matt Rhule won’t wait until August 16 to trim his roster down after all. The team has announced five cuts, bringing the number of players on the roster to 80.
RB Rodney Smith
Smith is the most surprising cut, if only because of the competition at his position. Releasing Mike Davis instead would have saved Carolina $3 million in cap space. Instead, they’ll move forward with the veteran as the No. 4 running back on the roster behind Christian McCaffrey, Reggie Bonnafon and Jordan Scarlett.
WR Damion Jeanpiere Jr.
Wide receivers will have a tough time making the team this year given all the free agents the Panthers picked up this offseason. Guys like Ishmael Hyman, Brandon Zylstra and the undrafted Omar Bayless can now breathe a little easier.
G Tyler Marz, C Fred Mauigoa
The loss of the preseason means Carolina’s offensive line needs experience above all else, so younger linemen will be at a disadvantage this month. Marz has only played six NFL games and Mauigoa was a college free agent. These cuts were good news for former Baylor center Sam Tecklenburg and former Auburn guard Mike Horton.
LB Jason Ferris
The Panthers also waived undrafted linebacker Jason Ferris with an injury designation. With Jordan Mack having opted-out, we’re down to three UDFA linebackers, with Chris Orr, David Reese and Sam Franklin all competing for what will likely be the last LB spot on the roster.
The Panthers also announced that OL Greg Little and Branden Bowen passed their physicals.
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