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PFF names surprising player as Panthers' highest-graded preseason performer
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- PFF names surprising player as Panthers' highest-graded preseason performer
Here's one we didn't have on our bingo card.
According to an analysis by Pro Football Focus , the highest-graded player for the Carolina Panthers during the preseason was veteran edge rusher Trevis Gipson .
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Here's what they had to say about Gipson's four-game run in August:
Gipson has been in the league since 2020 and has routinely impressed in the preseason. For the third time in his career, he registered a preseason PFF pass-rush grade above 90.0, producing six pressures from 33 pass-rushing snaps.
Whether the team agrees or not, it does say something that Gipson wound up making the initial 53-man roster . He projects as the fourth edge rusher on the depth chart behind Jaelan Phillips , Pat Jones II and Princely Umanmielen . The last roster spot at this position went to Thomas Incoom .
A fifth-round pick by the Chicago Bears in the 2020 NFL Draft, Gipson has put in 66 games with five different teams. He has totaled 12.0 sacks, 22 quarterback hits, 12 tackles for a loss and six forced fumbles.
Gipson has mostly worked as a backup, with only 19 starts to his credit. His best run came in 2021, when he posted a career-best 7.0 sacks, seven quarterback hits and five forced fumbles for Chicago.
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Last season, he appeared in nine games for Carolina—amassing 12 tackles and a sack.
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; A general view as it rains before the game between the Houston Texans and Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; A general view as it rains before the game between the Houston Texans and Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
(Jim Dedmon, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (left) talks to other players before the game against the Houston Texans at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
(Jim Dedmon, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers head coach Dave Canales runs onto the field before the game against the Houston Texans at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers offensive coordinator Brad Idzik on the field before the game against the Houston Texans at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
(Jim Dedmon, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan (4) looks on before the game against the Houston Texans at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
(Jim Dedmon, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; A general view as the Carolina Panthers flag leads the team onto the field before the gam against the Houston Texans at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers linebacker Trevis Gipson (52) sacks Houston Texans quarterback Davis Mills (10) during the first quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
(Jim Dedmon, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers linebacker Claudin Cherelus (53) celebrates with linebacker Trevin Wallace (32) after a play against the Houston Texans during the first half at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Kenny Pickett (12) looks to pass during the first half against the Houston Texans at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) looks on from the sideline during the first half against the Houston Texans at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers wide receiver Jimmy Horn Jr. (15) runs with the ball during the first half against the Houston Texans at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers running back AJ Dillon (28) runs with the ball during the first half against the Houston Texans at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
(Jim Dedmon, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Houston Texans running back Owen Wright (42) is tackled by Carolina Panthers linebacker Jackson Kuwatch (46) during the first half at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
(Jim Dedmon, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers linebacker Cam Gill (49) reaches for a fumble against Houston Texans running back Deuce Vaughn (31) during the first half at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers linebacker Cam Gill (left) celebrates with linebacker Maema Njongmeta (45) after recovering a fumble against the Houston Texans during the first half at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers cornerback Cam Miller (42) runs with the ball after making an interception during the first half against the Houston Texans at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
(Jim Dedmon, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers tight end Feleipe Franks (81) runs with the ball against Houston Texans linebacker Aiden Fisher (59) during the first half at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
(Jim Dedmon, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers tight end James Mitchell (85) reaches for the ball against Houston Texans defensive end Danielle Hunter (55) during the first half at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
(Jim Dedmon, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers running back Anthony Tyus III (34) runs with the ball during the first half against the Houston Texans \at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
(Jim Dedmon, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Kyle Trask (14) passes the ball during the first half against the Houston Texans at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers running back Miles Davis (37) reacts after a play during the second half against the Houston Texans at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Houston Texans quarterback Davis Mills (10) runs with the ball against Carolina Panthers defensive end Elijah Garcia (96) during the second half at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers defensive end Jared Harrison-Hunte (94) with head coach Dave Canales after their game against the Houston Texans at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
(Jim Dedmon, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (left) and Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) after the game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Best photos from Panthers' preseason win over Texans
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; A general view as it rains before the game between the Houston Texans and Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Best photos from Panthers' preseason win over Texans
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; A general view as it rains before the game between the Houston Texans and Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
2
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Best photos from Panthers' preseason win over Texans
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; A general view as it rains before the game between the Houston Texans and Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
(Jim Dedmon, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Best photos from Panthers' preseason win over Texans
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (left) talks to other players before the game against the Houston Texans at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
(Jim Dedmon, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Best photos from Panthers' preseason win over Texans
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers head coach Dave Canales runs onto the field before the game against the Houston Texans at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Tetairoa McMillan praises red-hot Panthers OC Brad Idzik
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers offensive coordinator Brad Idzik on the field before the game against the Houston Texans at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
(Jim Dedmon, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Best photos from Panthers' preseason win over Texans
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan (4) looks on before the game against the Houston Texans at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
(Jim Dedmon, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Best photos from Panthers' preseason win over Texans
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; A general view as the Carolina Panthers flag leads the team onto the field before the gam against the Houston Texans at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Best photos from Panthers' preseason win over Texans
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers linebacker Trevis Gipson (52) sacks Houston Texans quarterback Davis Mills (10) during the first quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
(Jim Dedmon, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Best photos from Panthers' preseason win over Texans
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers linebacker Claudin Cherelus (53) celebrates with linebacker Trevin Wallace (32) after a play against the Houston Texans during the first half at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Best photos from Panthers' preseason win over Texans
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Kenny Pickett (12) looks to pass during the first half against the Houston Texans at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Best photos from Panthers' preseason win over Texans
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) looks on from the sideline during the first half against the Houston Texans at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Best photos from Panthers' preseason win over Texans
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers wide receiver Jimmy Horn Jr. (15) runs with the ball during the first half against the Houston Texans at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Best photos from Panthers' preseason win over Texans
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers running back AJ Dillon (28) runs with the ball during the first half against the Houston Texans at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
(Jim Dedmon, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Best photos from Panthers' preseason win over Texans
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Houston Texans running back Owen Wright (42) is tackled by Carolina Panthers linebacker Jackson Kuwatch (46) during the first half at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
(Jim Dedmon, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Best photos from Panthers' preseason win over Texans
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers linebacker Cam Gill (49) reaches for a fumble against Houston Texans running back Deuce Vaughn (31) during the first half at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Best photos from Panthers' preseason win over Texans
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers linebacker Cam Gill (left) celebrates with linebacker Maema Njongmeta (45) after recovering a fumble against the Houston Texans during the first half at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Best photos from Panthers' preseason win over Texans
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers cornerback Cam Miller (42) runs with the ball after making an interception during the first half against the Houston Texans at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
(Jim Dedmon, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Best photos from Panthers' preseason win over Texans
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers tight end Feleipe Franks (81) runs with the ball against Houston Texans linebacker Aiden Fisher (59) during the first half at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
(Jim Dedmon, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Best photos from Panthers' preseason win over Texans
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers tight end James Mitchell (85) reaches for the ball against Houston Texans defensive end Danielle Hunter (55) during the first half at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
(Jim Dedmon, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Best photos from Panthers' preseason win over Texans
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers running back Anthony Tyus III (34) runs with the ball during the first half against the Houston Texans \at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
(Jim Dedmon, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Best photos from Panthers' preseason win over Texans
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Kyle Trask (14) passes the ball during the first half against the Houston Texans at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Best photos from Panthers' preseason win over Texans
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers running back Miles Davis (37) reacts after a play during the second half against the Houston Texans at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Best photos from Panthers' preseason win over Texans
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Houston Texans quarterback Davis Mills (10) runs with the ball against Carolina Panthers defensive end Elijah Garcia (96) during the second half at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Best photos from Panthers' preseason win over Texans
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers defensive end Jared Harrison-Hunte (94) with head coach Dave Canales after their game against the Houston Texans at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
(Jim Dedmon, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Best photos from Panthers' preseason win over Texans
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (left) and Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) after the game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: PFF names surprising player as Panthers' highest-graded preseason performer
