5 Panthers players with soaring stock after preseason Week 1 win
By Dean Jones
Derek Wright – Carolina Panthers WR
It’s always nice to see players emerging from obscurity into roster contention. Something Derek Wright continues to do for the Carolina Panthers throughout a productive preparation period so far.
The undrafted free agent made some splash plays throughout the team’s recent training camp and backed this up with an outstanding contribution at the Washington Commanders. Wright’s smooth route-running and reliable hands resulted in the wideout bringing in all three of his targets for 46 receiving yards, which was another step in the right direction for the player in a typical gameday setting.
Whether this is enough for Wright to make the team is another matter. The Panthers are loaded at the wide receiver spot, so even with such an impressive display, the Utah State product remains a long shot to make the 53 when it’s all said and done.
Stranger things have happened, obviously. And whichever way this goes for Wright, he’s on track to give Carolina’s primary decision-makers plenty to think about before coming to a formal conclusion on his future.
Another potential option for Wright is the practice squad. However, the player now has enough film to make stashing him a risk with other teams looking for assistance in this area of the field.