{
  "id": 4656351,
  "title": "Panthers deserve credit for cutting bait on recent Day 2 draft pick",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/31/panthers-deserve-credit-for-cutting-bait-on-recent-day-2-draft-pick",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-31T14:45:29.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/panthers-deserve-credit-cutting-bait-144529475.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In 2026, Carolina Panthers general manager Dan Morgan has made strategic decisions that deserve commendation. His choice to draft an offensive tackle in the first round was initially met with skepticism, but it proved to be a savvy move that could safeguard the team's season. Morgan's recent signing of left tackle Rasheed Walker in free agency has also bolstered the team's situation.\n\nThe Panthers have been diligent in identifying their roster's weakest areas and taking steps to enhance them. Tight end Darren Waller and linebacker Bobby Okereke have both contributed to filling significant gaps in the team's defense. Morgan appears to be learning a valuable lesson for executives, demonstrating the importance of knowing when to let go of players, regardless of personal preferences, time invested, or draft capital allocated.\n\nThe team's most recent roster move, as reported by Mike Kaye of ESPN, was the waiving of third-year inside linebacker Trevin Wallace. Wallace, a two-year starter, failed to meet expectations during his tenure with the Panthers. He couldn't establish a strong presence in a starting battle alongside veteran Claudin Cherelus during the summer, and the recent signing of Okereke made Wallace's contribution redundant. Waiving Wallace opened up three positions for inside linebackers before the arrival of the veteran Okereke, who recently agreed to terms with the team. Wallace was not the only player let go; veteran wide receiver David Moore was also released. Moore, a great practice player according to head coach Dave Canales, had previously worked with him in Seattle and Tampa Bay, but his on-field contributions remained questionable, especially when compared to other wideouts who missed out on the initial 53-man roster.\n\nWith the waiver wire now in effect and practice squads forming on Monday, the Panthers may witness further cuts, potentially targeting players like 2024 fourth-round tight end Ja Tavion Sanders and 2023 fourth-round offensive lineman Chandler Zavala.",
  "summary": "ESPN names the cut of LB Trevin Wallace as Panthers' biggest roster move from this past weekend.",
  "key_points": [
    "Dan Morgan's draft and free agency choices praised for bolstering team.",
    "Trevin Wallace waived, freeing spots for Okereke and other linebackers.",
    "David Moore released, deemed questionable compared to other WRs."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}