On Monday, the Carolina Panthers waived veteran defensive end Jonathan Harris. Harris, despite playing just 14 snaps in Week 16, made one of the biggest plays of yesterday’s 36-30 victory when he recovered a fumble in the second quarter.
So, why the move?
Head coach Dave Canales was asked why the team decided to part ways with Harris this afternoon.
“Yeah, bunch of different decisions,” Canales replied. “Jonathan was the guy that we released to make room for potentially bringing some other guys in and see if we can get some linebacker help.”
Canales would then confirm that the Panthers will be looking outside of the building to add to the inside linebacker position, a spot that has taken quite a few hits this year. Carolina has lost team captain Shaq Thompson, 2024 third-round pick Trevin Wallace and second-year ‘backer Claudin Cherelus to season-ending injuries.
Sunday’s outing saw the Panthers start Josey Jewell and undrafted rookie Jacoby Windmon in the middle of the defense. The only other inside linebacker currently on the active roster is Jon Rhattigan, who has played the vast majority of his snaps on special teams.
