The Carolina Panthers are in constant evaluation mode. Previous reputations don't matter, and everyone gets their fair chance to stake a claim.
But for 2024 third-round linebacker Trevin Wallace, he's now in a real fight for his starting job.
Head coach Dave Canales confirmed that Wallace is in an open competition with Claudin Cherelus for the linebacker spot opposite free-agent signing Devin Lloyd. The Kentucky product was largely expected to gain the job with minimal fuss, but a less-than-stellar summer has prompted a change in plans.
Carolina Panthers have turned up the heat on Trevin Wallace with LB competition
It's not ideal, especially after the Panthers placed so much trust in Wallace by waiting until the seventh round to draft a linebacker. But hopefully, this can be the catalyst that spurs him on to better fortunes.
Defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero stated that it was not a bad reflection on either player. He thought they are both doing a good enough job, but having this added urgency in a battle is all just part of the process before a winner is crowned.
"This is not a knock on anybody. This is just how highly we feel about both guys, and both guys have, over the last couple of years, grown a lot in terms of their play, and both of them have done a good job of putting some good tape out there. And they've also found opportunities to get better from some of the things that haven't worked out their way.
"So, I just think that's the nature of the beast, and really you're always in a competition."
Wallace didn't exactly thrive in Carolina's preseason opener against the Arizona Cardinals. His angles in pursuit are inconsistent, and he remains a liability in coverage. The Panthers have not lost faith entirely, but they want to see if Cherelus can offer more next to Lloyd when it comes to the crunch.
If Wallace was looking for a wake-up call, he's got it. And his response will be telling.
Competition must become the harsh wake-up call Trevin Wallace needs
This is all part of the business. Wallace hasn't played well overall throughout his first two seasons in Carolina. General manager Dan Morgan doesn't throw the towel on his draft picks easily, but the strides forward haven't been big enough to avoid this make-or-break situation.
It's that simple, really.
Cherelus hasn't been a world-beater either, but this is his fourth season in Carolina. His influence has increased, especially on special teams. Taking the next step into a starting role represents a different challenge entirely, and being part of a genuine battle is a moment he must seize.
The Panthers will be watching developments closely.
If neither performs up to expectations, Morgan could potentially consider outside assistance either from the current veteran market or anyone who may become available on the waiver wire after final cuts. And with Carolina looking to take the next step into legitimate contention, a possible trade couldn't be completely dismissed.
Morgan and Canales had high hopes for Wallace. He was a puzzling pick, and the No. 72 pick hasn't done much to repay this faith as yet. At the same time, he's still just 23, so even though pressure is building, he's young enough to turn things around.
This is a crossroads moment for Wallace. He might still be the slight frontrunner, but Cherelus is now breathing down his neck. A strong response is needed, because the Panthers won't think twice about moving him to the fringes.
Competition breeds success. And may the best man win.
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