Reasons TE Jason Reese was added to the Panthers roster
The Carolina Panthers recently added another tight end to their roster…
Carolina Panthers tight end Greg Olsen has enjoyed a lot of success since being paired with quarterback Cam Newton. The two have developed a great on the field relationship as Olsen has been incredibly consistent with Newton under center. Prior to last year, when he was sidelined with a foot injury for a majority of the regular season, Olsen became the first tight end in NFL history to record three consecutive years of 1,000-plus yards receiving.
A great accomplishment that highlighted a significant missing piece to the offense when Olsen wasn’t on the field a year ago. Backup Ed Dickson entered and played well but departed during free agency, leaving the Panthers to rebuild one of their key positions.
Knowing retirement is soon approaching for Olsen the Panthers elected to draft rookie Ian Thomas, who recently scored his first touchdown, and added a few others at tight end over the course of the offseason. Beginning with five players, an injury to current backup Chris Manhertz, paved the way for Thomas to shine and opened the door for former Wake Forest tight end Cam Serigne.
With six tight ends on the roster, general manager Marty Hurney made it seven by adding Missouri tight end, Jason Reese. Wide receiver Fred Ross was waived to make room for the newest Panther albeit at a stacked position.
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The move adds depth to a pool of candidates hoping to fill the backup role behind Olsen and potentially move into a starting position in the future. While Thomas is the current front-runner for that role, adding Reese gives the Panthers another prospect to evaluate and someone to help on special teams.
Comprising just 29 catches for 369 yards with five touchdowns during his time at Missouri, Reese’s ability to immediately contribute in the passing game may be limited. However, he could be a good blocking option opposite Olsen or Thomas and the Panthers may move on from Manhertz should any of the rookies prove capable of handling the backup and reserve roles.
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Two preseason games remain and the Panthers still have a few areas of concern on the roster as Hurney attempts to narrow the team down to 53 players in the coming weeks. If Reese hopes to remain, he needs to make a quick impression this week.