4 players the Carolina Panthers might regret cutting
By Dean Jones
Reggie Bonnafon – RB
One of the more eye-catching cuts made by the Carolina Panthers on Saturday was Reggie Bonnafon. The running back failed to make the initial roster despite showing plenty of promise in 2019 during his first real season in the NFL.
Bonnafon’s lofty yards-per-carry average of 7.3 last season was impressive. But this did not convince the coaching staff to give him one of the backup roles behind All-Pro Christian McCaffrey.
The Panthers made no secret of the fact that Mike Davis and his $3 million in base salary has made a big impression during camp. The experienced veteran now has the No. 2 position on the depth chart locked up, with Trenton Cannon doing enough to be preferred ahead of Bonnafon.
This is a crushing blow for the player’s aspirations of forging a successful career in the NFL. Bonnafon broke off a couple of big runs in limited action last time out. But his play did come with some missed opportunities for production.
Bonnafon’s contribution during team drills was solid. But when others are outperforming you then this was clearly not enough to make the team.
It would come as something of a shock for Bonnafon, who appeared in pole position to win the primary backup role prior to camp. This is a move that the Panthers might regret if Bonnafon ends up shining elsewhere.