Waiver Wire Watch: Who Could The Carolina Panthers Target?

The deadline for NFL teams to trim their rosters to their final 53 players is fast approaching. By 4 p.m. on Tuesday, August 27, approximately over 1,000(!) players league-wide will be released. (Teams will generally be trimming their rosters from 90 players to 53, and 37 players multiplied by 32 teams equals a total of 1,184 potential cuts.)

The dream for these players, however, doesn't simply end there. The waiver wire gives both players and teams alike the ability to bolster their shot at winning. The waiver wire allows teams to submit claims for players that have been cut by other teams, so long as the player qualifies for the waiver wire.

How Does the Waiver Wire Work?

Players qualify for the waiver wire by having fewer than four accrued seasons in the league. The NFL considers an accrued season to be one in which a player spends six or more games on a team's 53-man roster, injured reserve, or physically unable to perform list.

The waiver wire order is decided, at least initially, the same way as the NFL draft: the worst teams get first dibs, while the best team gets the last selection. The Carolina Panthers, coming off a 2-15 season, will be first in waiver wire priority. On the other hand, the Kansas City Chiefs, fresh off another Super Bowl victory, will be last. Teams are not limited to the amount of players they can claim off waivers but must make corresponding moves so as to not go over the limit of 53 players on a roster.

A team waiving a player is not necessarily an indictment on that player's talent level. Some teams are simply stacked at certain positions, such as the Houston Texans with their loaded receiver room. Other teams may already have established players at certain positions that will not be going anywhere for the foreseeable future. For example, the Philadelphia Eagles boast a load of skilled starters and depth on the offensive line. Regardless of how it happens, talented players hit the waiver wire every year.

Panthers GM Dan Morgan has already promised that the team would be "aggressive" in pursuing new talent via the waiver wire following cutdown day. Morgan recently had the following to say regarding this strategy:

"For us, it's like another draft. We have claiming priorities so whoever we claim, we're going to get. So for us, we have this big pool of players that's about to come out and, hey, we can have the pick of the litter. We can have who we want. That's why we're putting the work in. We're putting the time in and we'll be ready when the cuts happen."

For a team such as the Panthers, adding more talent to each position is not just a luxury; it is a necessity for them to stay relevant in today's NFL.

A quick glance at Carolina's roster shows a number of weaknesses at different positions. The waiver wire is an opportunity for them to beef up these positions, but who could they have their eyes on?

Here's a look at one potential player from every team that the Panthers could add to their roster:

Potential Targets for the Panthers

Arizona Cardinals - Desmond Ridder, Quarterback

Ridder has yet to make a name for himself in the NFL after being drafted in the 3rd round by the Atlanta Falcons in 2022. Atlanta traded him to Arizona for WR Rondale Moore after signing Kirk Cousins and drafting Michael Penix Jr. So far this preseason, Ridder has been outperformed by Clayton Tune, as the two battle for the QB2 position behind Kyler Murray. If Ridder is cut, Carolina could take a flier on him. Their backup QB situation currently consists of an injured 36-year-old Andy Dalton, and Jack Plummer, who has looked below-average at best so far. The team needs a younger, more consistent backup for Bryce Young.

Atlanta Falcons - Richie Grant, Safety

Grant was Atlanta's 2nd round selection in 2021. He has unfortunately failed to live up to the expectations that come with 2nd round picks. The Falcons currently list him as a backup safety on their roster. They could, however, save $3 million in cap space by cutting him. With injuries at the safety position, Carolina could look to bring in Grant for depth purposes. He could also see plenty of work on special teams.

Baltimore Ravens - Nick Samac, Center

WR Russell Gage could be a potential Baltimore cut that Carolina may look to bring in, but the center position is currently the bigger question mark in Charlotte. Behind Austin Corbett, who is playing center for the first time in his professional career, the only other center on the roster is undrafted free agent Andrew Raym. Samac was a 7th round selection by Baltimore in the 2024 draft and has even seen reps with the first-team offense in practice. The Ravens may value their veteran backups on the offensive line more, however, leaving Samac on the bubble. He would have a chance to be Carolina's center of the future.

Buffalo Bills - K.J. Hamler, Wide Receiver

Hamler was selected in the 2nd round of the 2020 draft and is a young receiver who has shown flashes of talent so far in his career. The issue with the wideout is his availability; his first three seasons with the Denver Broncos were all cut short due to season-ending injuries to his hamstring, ACL, and pectoral muscle, respectively. He spent 2023 on the Indianapolis Colts' practice squad and was signed to a reserve/future contract with Buffalo back in January. He currently sits on the bubble of a crowded Bills receiver room. He could provide depth at both wide receiver and as a kick returner for Carolina.

Chicago Bears - Daniel Hardy, EDGE

The EDGE room in Chicago is pretty thin. Montez Sweat and 5th-round rookie Austin Booker currently lead the depth chart. Reports that GM Ryan Poles recently attempted to trade for Matthew Judon show that the team isn't satisfied with the current state of that position group. Hardy was a 2022 7th round selection by the Los Angeles Rams and has impressed so far this preseason. He has a solid chance to make the final roster. Stranger things have happened though, and if Chicago chooses to move on, Hardy would be a great depth piece in Carolina at arguably their weakest position.

Cincinnati Bengals - Nate Gilliam, Guard/Center

Gilliam has yet to see any regular season action in his career, bouncing around practice squads since going undrafted in 2020. His performance during this preseason in Cincinnati has been decent, and he brings versatility with the ability to play both guard and center. The Bengals may not have room on the final 53 for him, which would allow the Panthers to snag a piece for an offensive line that is desperate for depth.

Cleveland Browns - Wyatt Davis, Guard

Davis was a 3rd round selection by the Minnesota Vikings in 2021 but has yet to reach his potential. He's bounced around the league for the last few years, playing for the New Orleans Saints, Arizona Cardinals, and New York Giants. He signed with Cleveland back in June for depth purposes but may not make the final 53 thanks to the signing of OL Zack Johnson. Johnson made the All-UFL team last year and brings versatility to the Browns' offensive line. Should Davis be waived, Dan Morgan may jump at the chance to bring him to Charlotte.

Dallas Cowboys - Deuce Vaughn, Running Back

A 6th round pick out of Kansas State last year, the 5'5" Vaughn was predicted by some to become the new Cowboys bell cow at running back. He missed over half of his rookie season instead, compiling 40 yards on 23 carries in only seven games of action. The lack of talent at the RB position was one of the most discussed stories out of Dallas this past offseason, and they currently have four running backs ahead of Vaughn on the depth chart. If Carolina takes him, chances are they will attempt to stash him on the practice squad, giving them a low-risk, possibly high-reward option at RB.

Denver Broncos - Eyioma Uwazurike, Defensive Tackle/End

Uwazurike was a 4th round pick for Denver back in 2022 but was suspended for the entire 2023 season for violating the league's gambling policies. Now that he's back (he was reinstated in early August), he's playing well and looking fresh. There's still a chance Denver decides to move on from him, due to the fact that he missed nearly all of the team's offseason and preseason training activities. Carolina is solid on their defensive line, but a guy with versatility such as Uwazurike wouldn't hurt to have.

Detroit Lions - Kingsley Eguakun, Center

Eguakun signed with the Lions after going undrafted back in April. Despite making a strong impression on Detroit's coaching staff, he isn't a lock to make the final roster, due to the depth ahead of him. As mentioned earlier, Carolina could use some depth at center. Eguakun could, at the very least, be a strong practice squad candidate in Charlotte if the Lions waive him.

Green Bay Packers - Royce Newman, Guard

Newman was selected in the 4th round of the 2021 draft by the Packers but has yet to show why he deserves a final roster spot this year in Green Bay. With so much depth already on their offensive line, the Packers may choose to cut ties with Newman and save some cap space. Should they do so, Newman could serve as depth for the Panthers.

Houston Texas - Xavier Hutchinson, Wide Receiver

As mentioned earlier, the Texans are loaded at the receiver position. Stefon Diggs, Nico Collins, and Tank Dell all lead a group that makes C.J. Stroud's life that much easier. Hutchinson was taken in 6th round of the 2023 draft by Houston but may find himself on the outside looking in. The receiver room also carries John Metchie III, Noah Brown, Robert Woods, and Ben Skowronek. It's rare that NFL teams carry more than six receivers on an active 53-man roster, which means Hutchinson and another member of this group may be finding new teams soon. Hutchinson would immediately improve Carolina's receiver room and give Bryce Young a new weapon.

Indianapolis Colts - Blake Freeland, Offensive Tackle

Freeland is a former 4th-round pick, taken by the Colts in 2023. He saw some action last season, filling in at both the left and right tackle positions at times in place of Bernhard Raimann and Braden Smith. So far this preseason, however, Freeland's poor pass blocking has made him a potential cut candidate. Despite his ability as a solid run blocker, he may find himself out of a job thanks to the emergence of rookie tackle Matt Goncalves. The Colts may waive Freeland, giving the Panthers an opportunity to bring in a new backup for left tackle Ikem Ekwonu while Yosh Nijman recovers from a leg injury.

Jacksonville Jaguars - Joshua Cephus, Wide Receiver

Despite going undrafted earlier this year, Cephus made a name for himself in college with an outstanding career at UTSA. His 2023 performance earned him a first-team spot on the All-AAC team. The talent is still there but it's difficult for any undrafted free agent to make a final roster. The Jaguars have a plethora of receivers ahead of Cephus on the depth chart. If he clears waivers, he's a prime practice squad candidate for any team. The Panthers, however, may look to snag Cephus before anyone else gets an opportunity.

Kansas City Chiefs - Kadarius Toney, Wide Receiver

Kadarius Toney's career thus far has been... interesting. The New York Giants selected him in the first round of the 2021 draft, but he never panned out and was eventually traded to the Chiefs. His time with Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid has not exactly helped him develop, as he's struggled with drops, injuries, and a short controversy about whether or not he was actually injured in early 2024. His fifth-year option was declined, and with the Chiefs drafting the speedy Xavier Worthy, Toney may be out of time in KC. Despite his struggles, if he is waived, many teams (including Carolina) may be willing to take a flier on him. After all, first-round wide receivers in the NFL get more chances than anyone else.

Las Vegas Raiders - Byron Young, Defensive Tackle

This would be a bit of a surprise. Young was taken by the Raiders in the 3rd round of the 2023 draft but has underwhelmed in his career thus far. After opening training camp last year on the physically unable to perform list, he only played in six games. The Raiders signed former Dolphins DT Christian Wilkins to a monster contract worth $110 million after his stellar play last season. This shows that the team was not comfortable with Young seeing more playing time. He is going into only his second season, so it would be a bit shocking to see Vegas give up on him so early. On the off chance he is released, however, Carolina needs to snatch him up before another team gets a shot. Young could improve tremendously under the tutelage of Derrick Brown and A'Shawn Robinson, which would give Carolina another strong piece on the defensive line.

Los Angeles Chargers - Donald Parham Jr., Tight End

New Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh placed emphasis on improving the team's blocking after being hired this past offseason. To that end, Parham has become a cut candidate. The former undrafted free agent from 2019 bounced around the league before finding a home in L.A. The Chargers, however, boast a tight end room with Will Dissly, Hayden Hurst, and Stone Smartt. Smartt's stock has risen, as his skills are well-suited for a Harbaugh-led offense. On the other hand, Parham's skillset may not mesh with what Harbaugh has in mind. If Parham hits waivers, it may behoove Carolina to see what he can do in this offense.

Los Angeles Rams - Tre'Vius Hodges-Tomlinson, Cornerback

Better known as simply Tre Tomlinson, the second-year corner out of TCU is a potential cut candidate for the other L.A. team. Tomlinson won the Jim Thorpe Award in 2022, which is awarded to the top defensive back in college football. He fell to the 6th round of the 2023 draft, however, before the Rams finally opted to bring him aboard. Sean McVay's team boasts a crowded cornerback room now, meaning that Tomlinson is on the bubble. The Panthers need help at CB and could look to bring in Tomlinson if he hits waivers.

Miami Dolphins - Storm Duck, Cornerback

With one of the coolest names in recent memory, Storm Duck would be an interesting addition to Carolina's secondary. The former UNC Tar Heel was signed to Miami as an undrafted free agent in April. His performance thus far has earned him praise amongst Dolphins fans and gives Miami a difficult decision to make on cutdown day, as they have plenty of depth at corner. If the Dolphins choose to move on from Duck, a homecoming could be in order; he is originally from Boiling Springs, North Carolina. Duck would not only boost Carolina's secondary, but he would also have the most unique name of any Carolina player since Captain Munnerlyn.

Minnesota Vikings - Matt Corral, Quarterback

A name that Panthers fans should remember, Corral was selected in the 3rd round of the 2022 NFL draft by Carolina. His time in Charlotte was short-lived, as a Lisfranc injury sidelined him for his entire rookie season. He was subsequently waived, picked up by the New England Patriots, and released once again. He then spent time in the UFL before signing with the Vikings earlier in August after rookie QB J.J. McCarthy suffered a season-ending injury. Corral may not make the final 53, as Minnesota currently rosters Sam Darnold, Nick Mullens, and Jaren Hall at QB. A reunion may benefit both Corral and Carolina.

New England Patriots - Bailey Zappe, Quarterback

Another potential backup for Bryce Young, Zappe was taken by the Patriots in the 4th round of the 2022 draft. After bouncing back and forth between the starting role and the bench for a couple of years, it appears Zappe's time in New England may be over. The Patriots currently have Drake Maye, Joe Milton III, and Jacoby Brissett ahead of Zappe on the roster. Zappe has seen plenty of action and would be an immediate upgrade at backup QB for Carolina.

New Orleans Saints - Isaiah Foskey, Defensive End

Foskey was drafted in the 2nd round last year by New Orleans. In ten games as a rookie, he failed to record a sack. For a 2nd-round pass rushing specialist, that isn't great. The Saints have four players ahead of Foskey at the defensive end position: Cam Jordan, Carl Granderson, Chase Young, and even Payton Turner. It would be unsurprising to see Foskey hit the waiver wire. The Panthers may take a flier on him if that happens, just to see if they can help turn the young edge rusher's career around.

New York Giants - Azeez Ojulari, EDGE

With the addition of Brian Burns via trade with Carolina, Ojulari may now be expendable. The former 2nd round pick set the Giants rookie sack record in 2021 but has missed significant time during the last two seasons with injuries. His pass rushing skill may not be enough to offset his less-than-stellar run stopping ability for a team that historically prides itself on having a strong defense. All of this means Ojulari could be a surprise cut. Carolina needs pass rushers and may be willing to grab Ojulari as a situational pass rusher.

New York Jets - Austin Seibert, Kicker

The Cleveland Browns drafted Seibert in the 5th round of the 2019 draft. Since then, Seibert has bounced around the league and is now on his second stint with the New York Jets. Greg Zuerlein is the projected winner of this kicker competition, however, and Seibert may be drawing trade interest from other teams. If he hits the waiver wire, Carolina should take advantage. The Panthers had their own competition between current kicker Eddy Pineiro and undrafted free agent Harrison Mevis, with Pineiro winning suspiciously early. Since the team released Mevis, Pineiro has struggled in practice. Perhaps Carolina could give Pineiro some competition?

Philadelphia Eagles - Brett Toth/Darian Kinnard, Offensive Line

This one is tough. The Eagles have a great starting offensive line and solid depth, but they currently have eleven players in that group. One of these guys may not make it based solely on the numbers. Toth entered the league in 2019 as an undrafted free agent and has bounced back and forth between the practice squads of Philly and Carolina (with a brief stop in Arizona in between). Kinnard was a 5th-round pick back in 2022 by the Kansas City Chiefs and signed with the Eagles this past offseason. Both are versatile linemen who could benefit any team. Carolina should claim the one who is ultimately waived.

Pittsburgh Steelers - Logan Lee, Defensive Tackle

Lee was selected in the 6th round of the 2024 draft by Pittsburgh with a pick that was originally Carolina's. He was a prominent name in the Big Ten at Iowa, with the ability to both stuff the run and get after the QB. The Steelers, however, have a ton of depth at the DT position. They may value the experience of guys that have already played at the pro level over the potential of a 6th-round rookie. Lee would be a solid rotational player for the Panthers, and with his ability to defend both the run and the pass, he could be subbed in on any down.

San Francisco 49ers - Drake Nugent, Center

Nugent played well in his last season with Michigan, finishing as a Rimington Trophy finalist (given to the best center in college football) and being voted first-team All-Big Ten. That success has, unfortunately, not translated to the league. He currently sits on the 49ers roster bubble. It was a bit surprising to see Nugent go undrafted this past year, especially after his performance helped Michigan win a national title. Carolina could use a young center to develop behind Corbett, so if he hits waivers, expect the Panthers to snag him.

Seattle Seahawks - Stone Forsythe, Offensive Tackle

A 6th round pick by Seattle in 2021, Forsythe started eight games for Seattle last year after injuries to both their starting tackles, Charles Cross and Abraham Lucas. While he was serviceable in their stead, he struggled in the preseason, leaving him on the verge of being cut. At 6'8", he is one of the biggest linemen currently in the league. If he hits waivers, Carolina may take advantage and snag the swing tackle.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Josh Hayes, Cornerback

Tampa selected Hayes in the 6th round of the 2023 draft, but the young corner has struggled with injuries this preseason. He is a better special teams player than cornerback, and with the Bucs thin at CB depth, Hayes may be waived to make room for someone else. If he is, Carolina can always use depth at corner and on special teams.

Tennessee Titans - Kearis Jackson, Wide Receiver

Jackson signed with Tennessee as an undrafted free agent in 2023. He looked to serve as not only depth at receiver, but as a solid kick/punt returner. He suffered a knee injury earlier this preseason, however, and is no longer a lock for the Titans' final roster. With the new NFL kickoff rules, Carolina could use a dynamic return man such as Jackson.

Washington Commanders - Ricky Stromberg, Guard/Center

Another player that would be a surprise cut, Stromberg was drafted in the 3rd round last year by Washington. He struggled on the field, though, and missed some of his rookie season with a knee injury. New head coach Dan Quinn has no ties to Stromberg, as he was drafted by the old Washington brigade. The team also made it a point to address their offensive line in free agency, bringing in Tyler Biadasz and Nick Allegretti. Stromberg could bring value as a backup interior lineman that can play both guard positions and center. He won the Jacobs Blocking Trophy, awarded to the best blocker in a college football conference, during his final year at Arkansas. He also was named to the All-SEC first team. If Dan Quinn chooses to waive the former 3rd-rounder, expect Carolina to bring him in.