As Sunday's NFL cut-down deadline (6 p.m. ET) looms, the Carolina Panthers will get one last look at the bottom of their roster against the Houston Texans on Friday at Bank of America Stadium (7 p.m. ET). And while the front office and coaching staff are preparing for an exodus of players this weekend as NFL teams trim down to 53 players, Carolina should also be scouting film to find potential gems on the waiver wire next week.
Nearly every team in the league will cut NFL roster-worthy talent. The players who haven't earned vested veteran status (four or more accrued seasons) will be subject to waivers. From there, teams can make their claims for other squads' departing talent.
That's an opportunity for Panthers general manager Dan Morgan and his front office to search preseason film to find fits and improve the depth chart. Over the past two offseasons under Morgan, Carolina has claimed eight total players -- six in 2024 and two in 2025 -- off the waiver wire following the cut-down deadline.
The Panthers are in the middle of the waiver wire pecking order (No. 19), but they still should be able to make claims for potential upgrades at the bottom of the roster. The three biggest positions of need -- inside linebacker, guard and defensive line -- have been glaring throughout training camp and the preseason. Let's break down the three along with potential roster-improving scenarios:
Inside linebacker
Projected starters: Devin Lloyd, Trevin Wallace/Claudin Cherelus
Preseason depth: Bam Martin-Scott, Jackson Kuwatch, Maema Njongmeta, Mapalo Mwansa
The Panthers have staged a competition opposite Lloyd throughout the summer. Unfortunately for Carolina, neither Wallace (a 2024 third-round pick), nor Cherelus (a longtime backup and special teams standout) have separated themselves in the battle. Coach Dave Canales acknowledged as much on Monday, stating the pair is "head-to-head ... and it's like neck-and-neck" heading into the final week of the preseason.
Wallace, according to NFL Next Gen Stats, has played 62 snaps in the first three preseason games. He has allowed three catches for 14 yards on three targets while producing seven tackles and a QB pressure. Conversely, Cherelus has collected nine tackles in 65 preseason snaps, while allowing opponents to catch all six of his coverage targets for 52 yards.
Behind the competing pair, Martin-Scott and Kuwatch have flashed potential as long-term developmental players. Neither appears to be in the discussion for a starting role, but if Wallace or Cherelus fail to take advantage of their challenge, the Panthers might need to look elsewhere to complement Lloyd.
While the waiver wire is known more for depth opportunities, the Panthers could look to upgrade over their current crop of competitors. Inside linebacker is not considered a premium position by most teams, and the Panthers might need to pounce if a scheme fit hits the wire.
If not, they could look to the trade market to pair a better player with Lloyd.
Guard
Projected starters: Damien Lewis (LG) and Robert Hunt (RG)
Preseason depth: Brady Christensen, Jake Curhan, Chandler Zavala, Isaia Glass, Ja'Tyre Carter
Lewis and Hunt make up one of the league's better guard tandems, but the current roster behind them leaves quite a bit to be desired. And because both starters have had notable injury histories, getting some quality insurance is paramount for a 17-game season.
Zavala, a 2023 fourth-round pick, has struggled in pass protection, giving up three QB pressures -- including two sacks -- in 43 preseason pass blocking snaps, according to NFL Next Gen Stats. Christensen, who is coming off Achilles surgery, has also given up three QB pressures in 39 pass sets. Curhan, a versatile lineman, has a history with the staff and the team, but there's reason to believe he can be upgraded on the roster, given he waited until earlier this month to be re-signed out of free agency.
Linemen, particularly guards, tend to flood the waiver wire after the cut deadline. Perhaps the Panthers can find a better fit from elsewhere. And after the way the line was dominated by the Houston Texans' defense Wednesday in joint practice, the urgency to add new talent to the group feels palpable.
Defensive line
Projected starters: Derrick Brown (DE), Cam Jackson (NT), Bobby Brown III (DE)
Preseason depth: Lee Hunter, Jared Harrison-Hunte, Aaron Hall, Elijah Garcia, Kyon Barrs, Tywone Malone Jr., Parker Petersen
Similar to the Panthers' outlook on their guard depth chart, Carolina could afford to enhance the group along the defensive line. With Turk Wharton (neck) on the physically unable to perform list, the proven talent within the trenches is minimal.
Derrick Brown is a Pro Bowl-worthy player, but there are still questions about Bobby Brown's effectiveness. Jackson and Hunter are recent draft picks who have flashed big-time potential this summer, but they won't be able to prove their worth until the regular season begins. The same could be said for Harrison-Hunte and Hall, who have three and five QB pressures in the preseason, respectively, according to NFL Next Gen Stats.
So, Morgan might need to push for upgrades on the wire or through a trade. He has routinely discussed his desire to continuously improve both sides of the line throughout his tenure, and the wire could be his opportunity to plug some depth holes in both areas.