4 Panthers fighting for their futures in preseason Week 3 vs. Bills

Dennis Daley – Carolina Panthers OL

Much like the situation with Deonte Brown, the status of Dennis Daley is seemingly up in the air heading into the final round of cuts. The former South Carolina star has done little to enhance his claims throughout the preseason so far, which could be enough for the Carolina Panthers to cut their losses entirely in favor of others more deserving.

Daley was a prime cut candidate before free agency after a dismal 2021 campaign that also came with almost no accountability. The coaching staff appeared willing to give the 2019 sixth-round selection another chance, even if it would only be from a backup role at best given the new arrivals via free agency and the draft.

Cutting Daley comes with a dead-cap figure of $735,000 and a saving of just over $1 million. But the fact he’s made it this far might suggest the player is set to see out the final year of his deal.

Nothing is guaranteed for Daley, who has all the physical tools needed to be a success even if the football IQ isn’t there more often than not. The Panthers are not in a position to be sentimental about anyone they bring through after accumulating 10 wins over the last two seasons, so the veteran needs a solid performance when on the field against the Buffalo Bills, to put it mildly.

Assuming eight of the current offensive linemen are locks, then it could be a straight choice between Daley, Cade Mays, or Brown for the final spot unless Carolina takes 10 onto the 53.