What big surprises emerged from the Carolina Panthers setting their initial 53-man roster heading into the all-important waiver wire pickups?
Going through the cut process is always difficult. Players have worked hard league-wide for an opportunity and to have their dreams crushed is undoubtedly the worst part of the process when it comes to NFL roster building.
The Carolina Panthers had plenty of work ahead of them before the league's 4 p.m. deadline. While some releases seemed pretty obvious, there were definitely some shocks thrown in as general manager Scott Fitterer and his staff continue with their ruthless streak that's been prevalent since Matt Rhule received his marching orders.
Many who got the chop will come back on the practice squad providing they clear waivers. There's also a chance some higher-profile individuals get scooped up by other teams looking for additional depth.
That's for the not-too-distant future. For now, here are four big surprises the Panthers made in the process of finalizing their initial 53-man roster in 2023.
Carolina Panthers cut Justin McCray
The Carolina Panthers aren't exactly blessed with tremendous depth on their offensive line. Austin Corbett's absence further highlights this fact, so to see those in power part ways with Justin McCray was something of a surprise.
McCray arrived in free agency and was seen as an upgrade to the rotation if nothing else. However, the Panthers like what they've seen from rookie Chandler Zavala up to now, who looks set to occupy the starting right guard position until Corbett is ready to return.
This left McCray on the outside looking in when it came to prominent involvement. But for the Panthers to cut their losses entirely did raise more than a few eyebrows.
Carolina Panthers cut Keith Taylor Jr.
There were plenty of questions surrounding third-year cornerback Keith Taylor Jr. heading into the offseason. The pressure was on to produce after an inconsistent campaign in 2022, which was a major step backward after flashing real promise as a rookie.
Taylor seemed to be taking on improved coaching well as the summer progressed. His performance levels improved and the former fifth-round selection looked more comfortable, especially considering he was getting plenty of first-team work with Jaycee Horn and Donte Jackson being eased back into the rotation.
All signs pointed to the Carolina Panthers giving Taylor another year to prove his worth despite the signing of Troy Hill. Instead, general manager Scott Fitterer wielded the axe to the Washington college product and Stantley Thomas-Oliver III - the 2020 seventh-rounder who was heading into the final year of his deal.
This was a damning indictment of how Fitterer perceived the draft picks made by Matt Rhule. It also indicates that further acquisitions to bolster the cornerback room are coming off the waiver wire in the very near future.
It's an extremely disappointing outcome for Taylor, who has the physical tools to get an opportunity elsewhere. If the defensive back does end up clearing waivers, then bringing him back onto the practice squad is a possibility providing the player's pride isn't hurt too much.
Carolina Panthers cut Deion Jones
One of the strangest moves made by the Carolina Panthers as part of the cutting process centered around Deion Jones. The veteran linebacker was an intriguing addition to the set-up just as training camp opened and he immediately began seeing work with the first-string defense to further raise optimism.
Jones didn't appear to be out of place whatsoever and looked like he could be an asset on blitz packages within Ejiro Evero's 3-4 base scheme. But when push came to shove, the Panthers weren't entirely convinced and parted ways with the Pro Bowler before he'd played a competitive down.
This was seen as good news for former fourth-round selection Brandon Smith, but he got cut too. Those in power were clearly more impressed with the likes of Chandler Wooten and Kamu Grugier-Hill as second-level options, with the prospect of another body coming in off the waiver wire distinctly possible if the right opportunities present themselves.
As for Jones, he's experienced enough to get another gig and fit in seamlessly. This news probably came as a shock to him too after getting some significant praise from head coach Frank Reich for his early integration, but this is all part of the business.
Considering Jones' age, a place on the practice squad seems unlikely. That might be saved for Smith if the player's still available after the first batch of waivers.
Carolina Panthers cut Raequan WIlliams
When the Carolina Panthers waived mammoth nose tackle Marquan McCall, it was seen as a supreme vote of confidence in Raequan Williams' chances of making the 53-man roster. However, this perception wasn't shared by influential decision-makers within the organization.
There was a lot to like about the Williams applied himself throughout the summer. He was sharp during camp and certainly flashed enough moments of class when reps came his way during the preseason to suggest he wouldn't be overawed by increased responsibilities in 2023.
Apparently, the Panthers were more interested in Nick Thurman based on how things have unfolded in recent hours. This was a hugely disappointing outcome for Williams and one could forgive the lineman for feeling a little aggrieved.
While Williams' status could have gone either way, this was a surprising cut considering the momentum he'd generated throughout the offseason. Looking at Carolina's current options on the defensive front, it would be a huge shock if general manager Scott Fitterer didn't add reinforcements before preparations for Week 1 at the Atlanta Falcons ramp-up.
Williams is another strong candidate for the practice squad if he makes it past waiver claims. This keeps his foot in the door and might even see him activated onto the 53-man roster at some stage during the campaign.
Not a bad consolation prize in the circumstances. Even if Williams was probably hoping for more.