4 dark-horse Panthers players who can steal a 2020 roster spot
By Dean Jones
![(Photo by Thomas Campbell/XFL via Getty Images) Cam Phillips (Photo by Thomas Campbell/XFL via Getty Images) Cam Phillips](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/https-3A-2F-2Fcatcrave-com-2Fwp-content-2Fuploads-2Fgetty-images-2F2017-2F07-2F1210144890-850x560-3668ea3587f6d039803ef1e03d294d3e3c716f0097fc1fe0b1ce92181a16a89f.jpg)
Carolina Panthers player No. 4: Adarius Taylor – LB
It is clear the Carolina Panthers coaching staff thinks a lot of Adarius Taylor. The linebacker might have been a late arrival to training camp after being picked up off waivers. But the impression he has made in a short period is substantial.
This was further reflected by the Panthers’ decision to trade away Andre Smith to the Buffalo Bills for a conditional seventh-round pick just a few short hours before he was due to hit the waiver wire. The move only heightens Taylor’s chances of making the 53-man roster and it would be an incredible achievement if the player could pull this off.
Taylor is no stranger to this environment having been released by Carolina following his rookie campaign. The player has found life difficult establishing himself in the NFL despite coming into the league with a productive college career under his belt at Florida Atlantic. But this second chance with the Panthers already looks to be the making of him.
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There is an unlikely opening for Taylor in Carolina following the decisions made by Jordan Mack and Christian Miller to opt-out in 2020 due to COVID-19 health concerns. If he can manage to sneak his way onto the roster, then it might come with an opportunity to make a difference on the field which have been few and far between during his career so far.