When second-year edge rusher Nic Scourton tore his ACL on the first day of training camp, the Carolina Panthers' first call was an important one. They quickly brought in Cam Gill for another spell with the franchise, and hopes were high that he could seize the opportunity.
Gill was coming off winning UFL Defensive Player of the Year, so he was brimming with confidence. There were plenty of flashes throughout the summer and into the preseason, but it wasn't enough to make the 53-man roster when push came to shove.
Even so, the Panthers brought Gill back onto the practice squad, giving him a chance to stay involved.
Carolina Panthers release Cam Gill despite impressive summer flashes
Unfortunately, that didn't last long.
The Panthers decided they needed a change. General manager Dan Morgan brought back outside linebacker Jeremiah Moon onto the practice squad. To make room, they released Gill.
There were no reports of an injury to Gill. Maybe something happened behind the scenes that wasn't disclosed. But based on his preseason efforts and recent trajectory overall, it did seem like a head-scratching choice.
ESPN beat reporter Mike Kaye had a theory or two about why the Panthers went in this direction. He thought Gill's departure says more about what the team thinks of the edges who made the team.
Not going to speculate on injuries or the like, but the logic I could see in choosing Moon over Gill is this:
— Mike Kaye (@mike_e_kaye) September 9, 2026
- Gill is a situational pass rusher, and you’d prefer to give guys like Umanmielen, Trevis Gipson and maybe even Thomas Incoom (who will active every week because of… https://t.co/a9w4mIj8rn
This is a fair point. The Panthers have situational rushers who can get after the quarterback. They might need more help against the run, which is where Moon could probably assist more than Gill.
It's a tough business.
Now, Gill will wait for the phone to ring again.
He's played a lot of football in recent months, galvanizing his career in the UFL before spending the summer in Carolina. Things didn't work out, but Gill's sack-filled preseason might be enough for another team to give him a shot.
Just when that'll be is another matter.
It's a setback for Gill. He was starting to generate real momentum when hope was fading, and being removed so swiftly from Carolina's practice squad is another gut punch.
He knows how to pick himself off the canvas and come out swinging. And if another NFL chance doesn't arrive, teams around the UFL will be queuing around the block to secure his services after a standout campaign.
The Panthers are not in the business of sentiment. They are all about winning, and Gill didn't fit into their plans despite catching the eye over Carolina's warm-up slate.
These things happen, but at least other teams have good tape to review on Gill if they need pass-rushing help.
That's something, at least. But for Gill, it's another anxious wait.
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