The Carolina Panthers have already fixed one of their major roster holes this weekend. Instead of relying on the "competition" between Trevin Wallace and Claudin Cherelus, the Panthers are planning to sign veteran linebacker Bobby Okereke—who should project as the other starter next to Devin Lloyd. Carolina also filled another big hole recently by signing tight end Darren Waller.
There are still at least a couple of spots that could use either better starters or more depth behind them.
Let's take a look at a few players who have already either been waived or released this weekend ahead of the roster cutdown deadline at 6:00 p.m. ET . . .
G Brandon Walton
Quarterback Bryce Young faced way too much pressure this preseason when starting guards Damien Lewis and Robert
Hunt were not on the field. So their depth on the interior of their offensive line might need some outside help.
Walton, who was let go by the Atlanta Falcons, spent the previous two seasons in Carolina. His familiarity with the unit, as well as his flexibility to kick to the outside, may appeal.
EDGE Jamil Muhammad
Most teams have been reluctant to part with edge rushers so far, and understandably so. The Panthers still have a need here after losing outside linebacker Nic Scourton for the season—even if it's only for more depth.
Muhammad has been waived by the Cleveland Browns, and he could help in this department in a rotational role. He hasn't appeared in a live NFL game yet—but in his 2023 season at the University of Southern California he flashed real potential with 6.5 sacks, 10.5 tackles for a loss and two forced fumbles.
LB Tyrel Dodson
Even with Okereke in tow, Wallace and Cherelus may not inspire much hope as the backups.
Dodson, released by Miami, is coming off career-highs in combined tackles (129) and sacks (5.0). Adding the seventh-year vet could turn what was one of Carolina's greatest weaknesses into one heck of a strength.
S Taylor Rapp
With the hole next to Lloyd plugged up, the weakest link for the Panthers defense is now at the safety spot opposite Tre'von Moehrig, currently held by Nick Scott. Former Los Angeles Rams and Buffalo Bills safety Taylor Rapp was just released by the Denver Broncos, and he would represent a nice boost to the back end of Ejiro Evero's defense.
Rapp was limited to six games last year by a knee injury. But when healthy, he's been an above-average starter.
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This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: 4 early cut casualties the Panthers should consider adding
