Panthers News: Jordan Mack becomes first to opt-out in Carolina

The Carolina Panthers news team announced a series of moves, including undrafted free-agent linebacker becoming the first to opt-out in 2020.

Undrafted free-agent linebacker Jordan Mack might have been a dark horse to make the 53-man roster of the Carolina Panthers in 2020. But the former Virginia standout has become the first from the organization to opt-out in the current climate.

The Carolina Panthers news team confirmed that Mack has decided to put health over his initial ambitions of making a name for himself in the NFL. Only one member of Carolina’s group has so far gone in this direction. And it remains to be seen whether others will follow the rookie’s lead.

Mack failed to hear his name called in the 2020 NFL Draft despite a standout college career. Not being able to compete at the Scouting Combine hurt his chances considerably. But the Panthers had high hopes for the player during training camp.

The player made an eye-catching transition from defensive back to linebacker. This is a position Mack occupied for three years at Virginia. And he ended his time with the program by recording 14.5 sacks, 24.5 tackles for loss, 289 combined tackles, 122 solo tackles, and six forced fumbles.

This is a bold move from Mack give the fact he has yet to play a down in the NFL. One cannot criticize his decision whatsoever. As health should be the main priority for every player as coronavirus cases continue to surge across the country.

Mack might get another chance with the Panthers in 2021. But much will depend on how others perform in his absence. The player has a lot of likable traits to make a real go of things at the next level. And it will be a case of keeping himself sharp away from the game in readiness for a better shot next spring.

Panthers News: Carolina announces other roster moves

The Panthers news team also confirmed that offensive tackle Greg Little will start camp on the active/physically unable to perform list. This is down to the lineman not passing a physical upon his return to Carolina’s facility. But the organization stated they didn’t expect his absence to be anything more than a short-term deal.

Former Ohio State standout Brenden Bowen starts his first training camp at the next level on the active/reserve list with a non-football illness. And the team didn’t give a timeframe as to when the lineman will return.

Bowen did incredibly well to work his way back from a career-threatening leg injury in college. And hopefully, this is just a minor setback in his pursuit of a roster spot.

In Carolina’s final move of Tuesday, they waived offensive lineman Juwann Bushell-Beatty.