Last weekend, the Carolina Panthers put the finishing touches on their initial 53-man roster.
For the most part, the roster looks like what we expected it to look like. There were a couple of surprises, such as the late addition of linebacker Bobby Okereke and some camp standouts who didn’t make it.
Week 1 is almost here, so let’s take a look at the three decisions the team made that they could end up regretting.
Not Adding More at Running Back
© Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
The Panthers lost Rico Dowdle in free agency after the veteran rushed for over 1,000 yards last season. The only addition the team made at the position this offseason was veteran A.J. Dillon, who hasn’t had a productive season since 2023.
Earlier this summer, it looked like the room was in a great spot regardless. Jonathon Brooks is finally healthy after back-to-back ACL injuries, and he looked explosive. But then, Chuba Hubbard went down, and Brooks failed to impress in his absence this preseason.
The team only kept Hubbard, Brooks, and Dillon on the main roster. With Hubbard nursing an injury and Brooks’ history, they could end up regretting going so thin.
Not Keeping Ja’seem Reed on Active Roster
Ja’seem Reed was one of the stars of the summer for the Panthers. The receiver earned praise constantly for his efforts and seemed like a shoo-in to make the team.
However, Reed missed a preseason contest, and Jimmy Horn Jr. and John Metchie III impressed in his absence. The Panthers ultimately cut Reed and put him on the practice squad, but they could end up regretting that decision. Horn and Metchie have never proved anything in the NFL, so it’s entirely possible they disappoint in 2026.
Not Keeping More at Linebacker
Krista Jasso/Panthers
The Panthers knew they needed more help at middle linebacker, so they added Okereke last weekend. Everyone assumed that meant Trevin Wallace would be a backup, but nobody expected him to get cut.
Now, the Panthers are rolling into Week 1 with just four linebackers. Okereke is an experienced veteran, but if he struggles or gets injured, the team doesn’t have many options to fill in.
It’s also possible that giving up on Wallace was a mistake. The linebacker is only just now preparing for his third season, and he’s only 23. Wallace was claimed by the Jets, too, so the Panthers weren’t even able to keep him around on the practice squad.
