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One Panthers Player Flying Under the Radar at Training Camp
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- One Panthers Player Flying Under the Radar at Training Camp
The Carolina Panthers haven't had the easiest summer. The team notably saw edge rusher Nic Scourton and wide receiver Chris Brazzell II go down for the season with injuries.
The Scourton loss will be huge, there's no denying that. It's also disappointing that Brazzell won't be on the field, but the Panthers' depth receivers have really stepped up at camp in his absence.
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Xavier Legette, Jimmy Horn Jr., and John Metchie II have all had impressive moments, but there's one receiver who's raised his stock more than anyone else.
Ja'seem Reed is the Panthers' Camp Star
Ja'seem Reed is not a player who was on many radars earlier this offseason. The receiver originally signed on with the Cleveland Browns after going undrafted in 2025, but he didn't last long there, and spent 2025 on the Panthers' practice squad.
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This summer, most of the attention was given to Legette, Horn, and Metchie. However, Reed has done nothing but show up and work, and it's beginning to pay off.
ESPN's Mike Kaye recently shouted Reed out after another impressive practice on Monday.
"(Reed) has been getting open with regularity and has become a favorite (target) of the depth quarterbacks," said Kaye.
On Monday, Reed caught an incredible throw from new Panthers' quarterback Kyle Trask. The receiver also caught a few balls from Kenny Pickett and had no problem getting open against the depth defensive backs.
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At this point, we hear something positive out of Reed almost every day. The receiver carried that momentum into the first preseason game as well, when he came down with a couple of catches and scored a touchdown.
Head coach Dave Canales has even shouted Reed out for how he's been performing.
"He's consistent," Canales said about Reed last month. "He knows the concepts, he's a really smart guy—and he's been that way since we got him. A guy we have a lot of trust in. And then, he just keeps making plays."
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It's interesting that Canales said he trusts Reed. That seems to indicate that this isn't just camp hype, and Reed actually has a real shot to make the roster. Reed is one good preseason game away from actually being predicted to make the team.
Tetairoa McMillan , Jalen Coker, Xavier Legette, and David Moore are probably the only receivers we can confidently say will make the team. It's not crazy to think that Reed can beat out Metchie or Horn for one of the final spots.
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Aug 12, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
