Panthers Send 2021 Draft Bust Packing on Roster Cutdown Day

The Carolina Panthers and the other 31 teams in the NFL are trimming their training camp rosters down from 90 players to 53. 

The Panthers will have to make a lot of tough decisions on Tuesday as they have a lot of depth at various positions, including wide receiver. 

Carolina emphasized upgrading its offense this offseason by acquiring Diontae Johnson from the Pittsburgh Steelers and taking Xavier Legette in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft. With those new additions, plus Adam Thielen, former second-round round pick Terrace Marshall Jr. was placed on the roster bubble.

The Panthers made a surprising decision on the young receiver’s future with the team. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported on Tuesday that Carolina is releasing Marshall. Fowler adds that the former wideout had a strong camp and is a good waiver option.

Marshall Jr. played well in Carolina’s preseason finale against the Buffalo Bills, recording three receptions (five targets) for 39 yards and a touchdown. The former LSU receiver was reportedly trying to seek a trade out of Carolina last season but ended up staying.

Last season with the Panthers, the 6-foot-2 wideout took a major step back in production. He had 19 receptions (33 targets) for 139 yards in nine games. However, in his second year with the organization, Marshall had 28 receptions (47 targets) for 490 yards and a touchdown.

That said, the young wide receiver still has a ton of talent and was caught in a numbers game with the Panthers. However, he should find another opportunity before Week 1 of the season kicks off.

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