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5 recently-cut players the Panthers should consider adding on Wednesday

jared feinberg
·2 min read
Oct 29, 2023; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Houston Texans wide receiver Noah Brown (85) catches the ball as Carolina Panthers cornerback CJ Henderson (23) defends in the first half at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 29, 2023; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Houston Texans wide receiver Noah Brown (85) catches the ball as Carolina Panthers cornerback CJ Henderson (23) defends in the first half at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

You might've heard, but the Carolina Panthers (and the rest of the NFL) were very busy on Tuesday.

Every team cut down to their initial 53-man rosters this afternoon, shaping the early stages of the 2024 campaign. For Carolina, the big move left the locker room looking a bit different than expected, and even reopened some areas of concern from the offseason.

But with the team possessing the No. 1 wavier wire priority, they’ll have an upper hand in acquiring some meaningful depth at positions of need. 

Here is a handful recently-cut players the Panthers should consider adding to its roster tomorrow afternoon.

WR Noah Brown

Nov 12, 2023; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Houston Texans wide receiver Noah Brown (85) catches a pass during warmups before the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 12, 2023; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Houston Texans wide receiver Noah Brown (85) catches a pass during warmups before the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports

Brown was one of many standouts for Houston during their worst-to-first surge in 2023—recording 567 yards and two scores off 33 grabs. But in 2024, he was a bit buried on a depth chart that featured Nico Collins, Stefon Diggs and Tank Dell.

The 28-year-old is a smooth-handed player who knows how to get open and make competitive plays after the catch. He would provide more quality depth to Carolina’s wideout room.

TE Brayden Willis

Dec 17, 2023; Glendale, Arizona, USA; San Francisco 49ers tight end Brayden Willis (9) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 17, 2023; Glendale, Arizona, USA; San Francisco 49ers tight end Brayden Willis (9) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Carolina's release of veteran Jordan Matthews has left the door open for some youth at the tight end spot, specifically for some athleticism and receiving skills.

The 49ers waived Willis on Tuesday due to his lack of consistent blocking ability in a deep room of their own. The former Oklahoma Sooner would provide Carolina with another receiving option at tight end behind rookie Ja’Tavion Sanders.

EDGE Andre Carter II

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - AUGUST 19: Andre Carter II #55 of the Minnesota Vikings competes against Harold Landry III #58 of the Tennessee Titans in the second half during a preseason game at U.S. Bank Stadium on August 19, 2023 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Titans defeated the Vikings 24-16. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - AUGUST 19: Andre Carter II #55 of the Minnesota Vikings competes against Harold Landry III #58 of the Tennessee Titans in the second half during a preseason game at U.S. Bank Stadium on August 19, 2023 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Titans defeated the Vikings 24-16. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)

A former draft community darling, Carter II fell to the numbers game in Minnesota despite a strong preseason.

The Panthers, who are carrying out just four outside linebackers from Tuesday, need more depth off the edge. At 6-foot-6, 256 pounds, Carter could provide steady depth as well as some presence on special teams.

EDGE K.J. Henry

LANDOVER, MARYLAND - NOVEMBER 19: Defensive end KJ Henry #55 of the Washington Commanders celebrates a sack against the New York Giants in the first half at FedExField on November 19, 2023 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MARYLAND - NOVEMBER 19: Defensive end KJ Henry #55 of the Washington Commanders celebrates a sack against the New York Giants in the first half at FedExField on November 19, 2023 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)

Henry was once a five-star recruit and former standout with the Clemson Tigers. Coming to Carolina would make a lot of sense, particularly for a team in need of help within the position group.

Henry offers some special teams experience and could provide some explosiveness and pass rush prowess to the defense.

CB Darnay Holmes

EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - OCTOBER 22: Darnay Holmes #30 of the New York Giants looks on in the second half of the game against the Washington Commanders at MetLife Stadium on October 22, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Dustin Satloff/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - OCTOBER 22: Darnay Holmes #30 of the New York Giants looks on in the second half of the game against the Washington Commanders at MetLife Stadium on October 22, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Dustin Satloff/Getty Images)

Once a standout defensive back at UCLA, Holmes has had an up-and-down pro career.

Defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero is known for getting the best out of his players, no matter the talent or skill level. Holmes fits the bill as a competitive player who brings some ball production and athleticism to the table, and is worth kicking the tires on.

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This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: 5 recently-cut players the Panthers should consider adding on Wednesday