Which Carolina Panthers news stories are hitting the headlines as the team made further moves towards their 53-man roster in Week 1?
There is never a dull moment where the Carolina Panthers are concerned these days. We are now just one week away from the regular season beginning on Thursday Night Football, which means preparations are ramping up for Frank Reich before his opening competitive contest as head coach at the Atlanta Falcons.
Of course, the headlines have been plentiful at one of the most difficult times of the NFL calendar year. Among the stories causing a stir include Carolina's waiver claims, releasing Matt Corral, Reich on the current roster state, and Bryce Young's excitement.
Let's delve into each topic in more detail.
Carolina Panthers add three more off waivers
Looking at how the roster looked, it seemed almost inevitable that the Carolina Panthers would make further additions off the waiver wire. General manager Scott Fitterer is always aggressive in pursuit of finding the right balance, something that saw three newcomers join the ranks once claims had been processed.
Offensive lineman Calvin Throckmorton, linebacker Claudin Cherelus, and cornerback D'Shawn Jamison were the chosen trio - although there could have been others where the Panthers weren't successful. Just how much they can assist in 2023 remains to be seen, but those in power seem confident they represent an upgrade.
Of course, three players had to leave as a result. Chandler Wooten - one of the summer's stars - was shown the door alongside wide receiver Derek Wright and quarterback Matt Corral. All three are expected back on the practice squad if nobody picks them up beforehand.
Frank Reich on Carolina Panthers roster
As previously stated, it's been a tough few days for those in positions of power around the league. Making cuts down to the initial 53-man rosters and the subsequent releases depending on their waiver wire success left hundreds facing uncertain futures, although many were brought back onto practice squads and might be involved if injury strikes.
The Carolina Panthers have been more active than most when it comes to wheeling and dealing this summer. There's been a purge of players drafted by Matt Rhule outside of those at the top end, which is a damning indictment of the true power balance when the incompetent former head coach called the shots.
There were a few surprises, for sure. But as head coach Frank Reich stated via the team's website, this is all done with the Panthers' best interests at heart.
"Obviously a lot of work done in the last two days. As we've said a couple of times, (it's) a tough time of the year. Excited about the team we're putting together, still a little bit of work left to do but I'm sure we'll see some of these guys back. Everybody understands that the sole motivation is to do what's best for the team. We're trying to get as many players on the roster and in that locker room – on the 53 and on the practice squad – as we can (to) help us win this year. Those are tough decisions."Frank Reich via Panthers.com
Hopefully, there is the right blend of youthful exuberance and experience needed to make improvements in 2023. Otherwise, questions will be asked about the choices made.
Carolina Panthers explain Matt Corral release
After initially securing a place on the initial 53-man roster, the Carolina Panthers parted ways with quarterback Matt Corral on Wednesday to make room for one of their recent waiver arrivals. This was a body blow to the third-round selection and might end his luckless time with the organization after just one full season.
Corral never got a fair chance with the Panthers. They traded up to draft him in the third round and quickly buried him behind an unnecessary quarterback competition between Sam Darnold and Baker Mayfield, which was followed by a serious foot fracture and Carolina selecting Bryce Young at No. 1 overall in the 2023 NFL Draft.
The Panthers got plenty of reps into Corral this offseason with a view to trading the signal-caller. No interest materialized, but head coach Frank Reich outlined his desire to get the Ole Miss product onto the practice squad when explaining the decision via Sports Illustrated.
"We're happy with the progress that Matt made. As we've talked about really the whole offseason, there's a lot of complexities, a lot of moving parts to putting together a roster. Everybody understands that the sole motivation is to do what's best for the team. We're trying to get as many players on the roster and in that locker room on the 53 and on the practice squad as we can that can help us win this year. Those are tough decisions. I wouldn't mind saying I would love to get Matt back. He's done very well. We'd like to see him continue to progress."Frank Reich via Sports Illustrated
Corral should be hoping another offer comes in from elsewhere, in all honesty. A fresh start is exactly what he needs and no Panthers fan should wish him anything but the best whatever happens.
Carolina Panthers QB Bryce Young's excitement
We are about to embark on the first game-day week that actually means something in a long time. The 2023 season is now on the immediate horizon and the Carolina Panthers have a great chance to impose themselves right out of the gate with two-straight contests against divisional opponents - one of which is on Monday Night Football.
That is thanks in no small part to the presence of Bryce Young under center. The No. 1 overall pick has captured the imagination this offseason with politeness, production, and exceptional poise - three traits that enamored those in power to the former Alabama star throughout their strenuous pre-draft evaluations.
This is a journey into the proverbial unknown for Young. Although the signal-caller is clearly excited, he is keeping the end goal in mind and harnessing this energy in a positive manner based on his comments via the team's website.
"It's real, everything counts, the regular season, and this is all new for me being a rookie, so I'm definitely excited. But again, you kind of have to funnel that excitement into something productive. And for me, I try to push that into the energy and the experience of the day-to-day, of going out and practicing and giving my all –in the meeting room, in the practice room, the film room and all that, and kind of harnessing that energy and (making it productive). Especially this far out, that's all you can do for it. It's definitely exciting, for sure. But there's still a long way to go, a lot of preparation from our side. So that's really where the focus is right now."Bryce Young via Panthers.com
Young has the weight of the world on his shoulders and a huge bullseye on his back. However, the rookie boasts the composure normally associated with a seasoned professional, which is a solid foundation from which to build a fruitful campaign.