In the spring of 2024, Dan Morgan made University of Kentucky linebacker Trevin Wallace the third draft pick of his tenure as Carolina Panthers general manager. And now, two years later, he's made him someone else's project.
Wallace, in perhaps the most surprising move of the team's cutdown from this past weekend, was not included on the initial 53-man roster for the 2026 campaign. The third-year defender would then hit waivers, and was claimed on Monday by the New York Jets.
Morgan, who spoke with reporters about the process on Tuesday, was asked about the decision to cut Wallace.
"Yeah, it's difficult," he stated. "Me and Trevin, we developed a really close relationship. He's been in my office multiple times, just watching tape together.
"I really
wish him the best—obviously, getting claimed by the Jets. Really happy for him and his family, and a new start for him, a new direction. I know he's excited about it. But again, those decisions—they don't come easy."
Carolina selected Wallace in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft. He went on to make 20 starts over 25 games for the Panthers—amassing 125 combined tackles, 3.0 sacks, four passes defensed, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery.
This summer, the 23-year-old was pitted against fourth-year veteran Claudin Cherelus for the defense's second starting inside linebacker spot next to Pro Bowler Devin Lloyd. But neither won the job, as Morgan and Carolina have added free agents Bobby Okereke and Tyrel Dodson.
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This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: Panthers GM Dan Morgan speaks on the surprising cut of one of his very first draft picks
