A lot can happen in a single day for an NFL team, especially the Carolina Panthers. The team has its 53-man roster set, but at a cost.
After spending training camp and the preseason evaluating the No. 2 linebacker spot between third-year player Trevin Wallace and Claudin Cherelus, general manager Dan Morgan waived the 2024 third-round pick, who was claimed by the New York Jets, and signed two experienced linebackers.
Those players, Bobby Okereke and Tyrel Dodson, have turned what was once a serious concern one week ago into a strength the Panthers can depend on.
Carolina Panthers' linebacking corps looks a lot stronger after Dan Morgan's moves
In the final roster projections, I expected the Panthers to make a move. Wallace and Cherelus had not shown enough to earn serious playing time next to second-team All-Pro linebacker Devin Lloyd, who will don the "green dot" as the defensive signal-caller. It is a failed battle with no winners.
It is a disappointing end to Wallace's career in Carolina. He was a player who leaned on the great Panthers legends at linebacker, including Morgan, and never took a progressive step in his development. Hopefully, he can make an impact for the Jets.
These moves showed me that Morgan, head coach Dave Canales, defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero, and linebackers coach Peter Hansen wanted to improve at the position.
Adding Dodson to the practice squad only enhances that theory.
The Panthers' newest additions were incredibly productive last season. Okereke had 143 total tackles (78 solo), and Dodson had 129 tackles, including 10 tackles for loss. Some would argue the latter, who isn't on the main roster, might've been the better player.
Two things are clear: the Panthers' talent and depth at linebacker have improved adequately, and Morgan has shown a willingness to pull the plug on a player's development if it hasn't worked out.
I wouldn't say Okereke and Dodson are the biggest factors in Carolina's successes or failures this season, but both provide stability and steadiness alongside Lloyd. They are players who get the job done and fly around to the football. They will not determine if the Panthers have an elite defense this season.
Morgan didn't fully end his pursuit of continued growth with embattled guard Chandler Zavala, who cleared waivers and was brought back onto the practice squad. However, it signals the Panthers' third-year general manager is looking outside the box for better solutions.
A progressive front-office leader who knows his team, wants to improve it, and finds ways to do so leads to success for that franchise. What Morgan did by adding Okereke and Dodson was get better and show a willingness to turn a flaw into a calming presence.
That philosophy and approach may help the Panthers repeat as NFC South champions this season.
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