5 simple cuts the Carolina Panthers should make before Week 1

Thomas Fletcher – Carolina Panthers LS

The draft pick that went viral has not exactly been the fairytale many expected.

Thomas Fletcher could scarcely believe that Matt Rhule was bringing him to the Carolina Panthers as a sixth-round selection in 2021. But a difficult start and the presence of supremely consistent veteran J.J. Jansen meant the organization conveniently placed the long snapper on season-ending injured/reserve with a hop problem shortly before the final cuts were due.

Given how well offensive guard Trey Smith performed for the Kansas City Chiefs as a rookie, picking Fletcher has gone from a nice story to borderline malpractice considering how desperate the Panthers were for help on the protection.

There is nothing the player can do about that. However, this is a pivotal training camp upcoming for the Alabama product, who has his work cut out unseating Jansen from the starting role after the team’s longest-serving player signed another one-year deal this offseason.

Fletcher has to keep his head down, work hard, and hope that’s enough. Even though the chances are remote, in all honesty.

Perhaps he’s another that could make the practice squad. But the Panthers might consider ending this experiment early when it’s all said and done.