“Heartbreak for Panthers: Key Pass Rusher Who Could Have Boosted Defensive Line Cut”
The Carolina Panthers face ongoing uncertainty in their pass rusher unit, and a potential solution was released on Tuesday. The team parted ways with veteran pass rusher K’Lavon Chaisson, a former first-round pick for the Jacksonville Jaguars who was signed this offseason with hopes of pairing with All-Pro EDGE rusher Jadeveon Clowney. However, Chaisson’s underwhelming performance during the offseason, training camp, and preseason led to his release.
With Chaisson’s departure, the Panthers’ pass rushing group remains unsettled. Besides Clowney, who joined on a two-year deal in March, there is no clear No. 2 pass rusher heading into Week 1. DJ Wonnum, acquired this offseason from the Minnesota Vikings, has been sidelined with a quad injury and has not practiced.
Amare Barno is also dealing with a knee injury and is on the physically unable to perform list, missing at least the first four games of the season.
Currently, the active roster includes Eku Leota, DJ Johnson, and recent waiver pickup Jamie Sheriff. Each has its own set of strengths and concerns. Johnson, a recent Oregon grad and third-round draft pick, has been a regular with the starters this offseason and played in all three preseason games.
Leota and Sheriff, both undrafted free agents, have shown potential, with Sheriff notably making an impact with seven tackles and three sacks in the preseason. The move to release Chaisson saves the Panthers $500,000 in dead money, according to Over The Cap.
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