Story by
Biggest Winners and Losers From Panthers’ Initial 53-Man Roster
- Story by
- Biggest Winners and Losers From Panthers’ Initial 53-Man Roster
The Carolina Panthers have had a busy few days. The team had to make a ton of roster moves to get down to 53 players by Sunday night, but the moves kept coming on Monday.
The team claimed offensive lineman Corey Bullock and made the signing of Bobby Okereke official. Now, the only thing left to do is prepare for Week 1.
Advertisement
Today, though, let's talk about the roster decisions made this weekend and find out who the biggest losers and winners of the process were.
Winner: QB Haynes King
Haynes King is one of the best success stories of the summer. The quarterback went undrafted despite an incredible college career and worked his tail off to secure a roster spot.
Dave Canales never keeps three quarterbacks, so that shows how much King impressed him. The rookie only played in one preseason contest, too, which makes it that much more impressive.
Advertisement
Loser: WR Ja'seem Reed
Carolina Panthers Ja'seem Reed scores in the second quarter on a fifteen yard touchdown pass against the Arizona Cardinals.
If you're Ja'seem Reed, you're probably wondering what else you could have done to make the team. Reed was arguably the most impressive and consistent receiver this summer, but he missed a preseason game and that might have done him in.
Reed seemed like a lock to make the team , but instead he finds himself on the practice squad once again.
Winner: WR Jimmy Horn Jr.
Sticking with receivers, you have to feel good for Jimmy Horn Jr. The receiver didn't get to do much as a rookie, and he was considered a cut candidate all summer. However, Horn kept showing up and proving he can be a contributor.
Advertisement
Horn made the team because he showed growth as a receiver and also showed an ability to contribute on special teams.
Loser: OL Chandler Zavala
Chandler Zavala had a bad preseason. As a result, many expected the former mid-round pick to be cut. Instead, Zavala made the initial 53-man roster, and it seemed like he was getting another chance.
However, Zavala lasted less than a day, as he was waived to make room for Corey Bullock . Zavala will now look to catch on elsewhere as he no longer seems to have a future in Carolina.
Advertisement
Winner: DL Aaron Hall
Aaron Hall is another UDFA who made the team after an impressive summer. You could even make the case that Hall was more impressive than second-round rookie Lee Hunter.
Hall now has a huge opportunity in Carolina. The Panthers' defensive line isn't deep, so there's a clear path to a role for the rookie. It's also cool that he's getting to do this with his hometown NFL team.
Loser: LB Trevin Wallace
Carolina Panthers linebacker Trevin Wallace (56) reacts with guard Robert Hunt (50) in the fourth quarter at Bank of America Stadium. © Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
Trevin Wallace entered this summer as the favorite to start at linebacker and ended it by being cut.
Advertisement
Wallace was probably the most surprising cut the team made. It's not surprising that he's not starting, but it's surprising that he couldn't even be kept as depth.
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Sep 1, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
