Five intriguing names on the waiver wire for Carolina Panthers following final cuts
The Panthers cut their roster down to 53 players on Tuesday, but the front office’s job isn’t done yet.
With a waiver wire filled with young talent, the Panthers can put in claims to make some roster additions (by noon on Wednesday) that will improve their Week 1 depth chart. Players on the bottom of the Panthers’ initial 53-man roster will also need to stay alert, as a waiver claim might force them off the main squad.
If the Panthers think there are upgrades on the wire, they could jump at the chance to fortify their roster.
(Note: This list only includes players on the waiver wire and not vested veterans who received their release during final cuts.)
Here are five players who could appeal to the Panthers on the waiver wire:
QB Bailey Zappe
Matt Corral had an up-an-down preseason, so it’s fair to wonder if he is long for the roster. Zappe, a 2022 fourth-round pick, started four games as a rookie and flashed a bit in his playing time. The 6-foot-1, 220-pound signal-caller could be viewed as an upgrade for the squad as the third quarterback. Zappe was cut by the Patriots after he threw for 781 yards, five touchdowns and three interceptions in his first year with the team.
CB Robert Rochell
The Panthers are a little light on cornerback depth after final cuts. Rochell, listed as 6-2 and 195 pounds, played for defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero and cornerbacks coach Jonathan Cooley in Los Angeles. With solid size and experience, Rochell could be viewed as a natural replacement for Keith Taylor. Rochell ran a 4.41-second 40-yard dash in 2021, and he has produced 19 tackles, four pass breakups and a interception in 28 career games (five starts). He also has special teams upside, having played 73% of the Rams’ special teams snaps in 2022.
RB DeWayne McBride
The seventh-round pick was unable to make the Vikings’ roster out of training camp. But the UAB alum has college production and tape that could appeal to the Panthers. McBride rushed for 70 yards and two touchdowns on 20 carries during the preseason. He also caught a pass for 11 yards. If the Panthers are looking to add a fourth back, McBride might be one of the better options on the wire.
DT Ross Blacklock
The pickings are slim on the waiver wire when it comes to defensive line help. While Blacklock probably isn’t a starter at the NFL level, he could add some depth to the defensive line. At 6-3 and 290 pounds, Blacklock has solid size, and he could be used in multiple spots on the defensive line. The Panthers need to determine if the former Texans and Vikings defensive lineman is actually an upgrade over Nick Thurman or LaBryan Ray.
OT Calvin Throckmorton
The Panthers decided to go young with their offensive line depth at the cut-down deadline. With undrafted rookies serving as depth for the group, the Panthers could be looking for upgrades on rookie contracts. Throckmorton is just 27, and he’s played in 31 games (20 starts) for the New Orleans Saints, who cut him on Tuesday. He has one year left on his rookie contract.
UPDATE: The Panthers ended up claiming Throckmorton, along with defensive back D’Shawn Jamison and linebacker Claudin Cherelus, off waivers on Wednesday.
This story was originally published August 30, 2023 at 5:00 AM.
