Six unheralded Carolina Panthers players battling to become next Brycen Tremayne
Last summer, wide receiver Brycen Tremayne entered Carolina Panthers training camp as an afterthought to those who studied the team’s roster from outside Bank of America Stadium.
Despite his 6-foot-4, 212-pound frame, the former Stanford receiver didn’t stand out on paper. He had played in just two NFL games prior to signing a future/reserve contract in Carolina, and he had one catch for minus-2 yards on his resume. Plus, he missed the bulk of organized team activities (OTA) workouts with an unknown ailment.
But when padded practices began in August, it was hard to miss the big-bodied pass catcher. He frequently showed off his size and athleticism in joint practices against the Cleveland Browns and Houston Texans. He also posted three catches for 46 yards in the first two preseason games. By the exhibition finale, Tremayne was resting easy on the sideline as a made man on the initial 53-man roster. He went on to have a prominent role on special teams throughout the 2026 season, and he caught 14 passes for 160 yards, offering up more production than last year’s sixth-round pick, Jimmy Horn Jr.
Heading into this year’s OTAs, Tremayne is considered a tangible member of the roster. But that leaves room for another dark horse to ride into the roster discussion after being overlooked during the offseason program prognostications. The Panthers have had a few under-discussed, overlooked contributors make the squad over the years, and even with a seemingly enhanced roster — and coming off the team’s first division title since 2015 — there’s still a chance for a little-known talent to grab a spot on the initial depth chart.
Who could end up being the next Tremayne? Here’s a look at six unheralded players battling to impress the Panthers after bouncing around the league a bit.
LB Jared Bartlett
The 25-year-old linebacker bounced around to three different teams as a rookie last year. He signed with the New York Jets after going undrafted but was cut during training camp. He then had a quick summer stint with the Green Bay Packers before getting bounced ahead of the cut deadline. He eventually landed with the Arizona Cardinals and played in two regular-season games for the NFC West franchise.
Bartlett, listed as 6-foot-1 and 238 pounds, will compete with Claudin Cherelus, Bam Martin-Scott, Maema Njongmeta and seventh-round pick Jackson Kuwatch for a depth role at inside linebacker. He will need to stick out on special teams to cling to a roster spot.
CB Tyrek Funderburk
The Indian Trail, North Carolina, native made the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ 53-man roster as an undrafted rookie in 2024. He appeared in 13 games (two starts) for the Panthers’ rivals during that campaign, producing 14 tackles, a pass breakup and a forced fumble. However, he was let go before the cut deadline last year, and he ended on the Minnesota Vikings’ practice squad for the 2025 campaign.
Funderburk, who played at nearby Appalachian State, will now try to make his hometown team within a crowded cornerback depth chart. He will probably need to outlast Chau Smith-Wade, Robert Rochell and three intriguing undrafted rookies to claim a job.
G Joshua Gray
Gray went undrafted last year. The Oregon State alum signed with the Atlanta Falcons and spent all of last season on their practice squad.
Already 26, Gray is still looking to play in his first meaningful NFL game. Luckily for him, he signed with a squad with pretty underwhelming depth at guard. Gray will need to unseat Chandler Zavala, Saahdiq Charles and Ja’Tyre Carter to make his mark this summer. Despite that trio having much more experience, Gray’s mission isn’t impossible.
WR Ja’seem Reed
Reed is coming off a promising rookie minicamp performance. The playmaker was able to make plays on the ball with an unfamiliar quarterback, and he shined with his leaping ability.
Entering his second summer in Carolina, Reed will look to bring that momentum into OTAs and training camp. He faces an uphill battle with so much talent ahead of him on the depth chart, but Reed should be capable of making his mark with a prolonged preseason slate.
WR Ainias Smith
Smith, a 2024 fifth-round pick of the Philadelphia Eagles, won a Super Bowl ring as a rookie. The former Texas A&M standout appeared in seven games that season, collecting 47 total yards on nine touches.
Philadelphia jettisoned Smith after last year’s training camp, and he signed with the Panthers’ practice squad immediately thereafter. While he never appeared in a game, Smith helped the defense as part of the Carolina scout team in practice.
His versatility could be a notable asset in his first summer in Charlotte.
RB Anthony “Tre” Tyus
Tyus spent the bulk of last season on the Panthers’ practice squad. The Ohio alum had rookie stints with the Detroit Lions and Seattle Seahawks last summer before heading to Mint Street. He has been able to work behind the scenes with Carolina running backs coach Bernie Parmalee ever since.
Tyus looked big and athletic during the recent rookie minicamp at the team’s facility. The 6-foot-1, 220-pound running back might have the best shot of cracking the roster of the six names listed, especially if he can stand out on special teams. His main competition for a fourth running back spot is journeyman AJ Dillon.
