5 departures the Carolina Panthers will miss the most in 2021
By Jason Huber
Zach Kerr – Former Carolina Panthers DT
- Released – Signed with the San Francisco 49ers
Speaking of defensive tackles not returning, the guy who helped replace the injured Kawann Short last season was also released by Carolina Panthers in a surprising move this offseason.
Zach Kerr only spent the 2020 campaign with the Panthers but in 13 games, he had 32 tackles, two sacks, nine quarterback hits, and a forced fumble. The former Delaware star really stepped up when given more responsibility early in the campaign, so his departure was surprising considering his level of production.
By releasing Kerr, Carolina saved around $1.3 million in cap room. DaQuan Jones ended up signing a one-year, $4 million deal with the Panthers, so money obviously wasn’t the issue and indicates the coaching staff wasn’t as pleased with the player’s contribution as fans were.
One of the biggest differences between Jones and Kerr is that the former has been healthier and is a year younger, but keeping the recently departed veteran on the roster even while adding the former Tennessee Titan couldn’t have hurt.
After Jones, the depth at defensive tackle becomes shallow and Kerr could have made for a reliable backup alongside Bravvion Roy while Daviyon Nixon and Phil Hoskins get up to speed.
Instead, Kerr will be suiting up for the San Francisco 49ers next season.