What replacements could the Carolina Panthers target if they decide to cut ties with linebacker Damien Wilson following his recent arrest?
An eventful offseason period for the Carolina Panthers took another concerning turn late on Monday evening. According to the Dallas Morning News, recently signed linebacker Damien Wilson was arrested after his girlfriend accused the player of threatening to kill her with a tire iron and destroying her laptop.
The publication also suggested Wilson could be facing a further charge of “assault with bodily injury of a family member“, something his attorney Tony Shook denies.
"“Damien Wilson did not commit any type of assault. We look forward to all the facts coming out so his name can be cleared.”"
This is the second Panthers player to be arrested in recent weeks. Shi Smith was pulled over in March and charged with “unlawfully carrying a handgun, drug possession and speeding“, not exactly smooth preparation as team activities officially began on the same day of Wilson’s arrest coming into the public eye.
Carolina now has a decision to make regarding Wilson, who signed for the Panthers in free agency from the Jacksonville Jaguars. He was expected to start at middle linebacker – the team’s third option in as many seasons since Luke Kuechly retired – but this latest development has cast doubt on his future in no uncertain terms.
If the Panthers end up cutting ties with Wilson due to this arrest, here are five potential linebackers that could replace him.