Winning hasn’t come naturally for the Carolina Panthers. They lost 25 games over the last two seasons and made unwanted NFL history in 2023 for always trailing in the fourth quarter.
So when it comes time to finding three cut candidates ahead of the NFL training camp, it may be bottom-of-the-barrel stuff for this franchise. That’s why it’s potentially not good news for the NFL careers of guard Cade Mays, safety Jammie Robinson, and receiver Terrace Marshall Jr.
Panthers’ G Cade Mays Needs to Turn Things Around
Cade Mays, a sixth-round selection from the University of Tennessee in 2022, is currently positioned fourth on the depth chart at guard. This is concerning, especially since the Panthers invested significantly in the guard position by spending a combined $153 million to bring in Robert Hunt and Damien Lewis. Mays’ performance last season was mixed; he played 434 snaps but earned a disappointing pass-blocking grade of 43.0 from Pro Football Focus, although his run-blocking grade of 71.2 indicates potential.
Despite his potential, the depth at guard and Brady Christensen receiving backup center snaps leaves limited opportunities for Mays. His versatility to play multiple positions is beneficial, but the competition from backup players like Christensen, Ja’Tavion Sanders, Yosh Nijman, Andrew Raym, Chandler Zavala, and Jeremiah Crawford makes it challenging for him to secure a spot.
Is Time Running Out for WR Terrace Marshall Jr.?
Terrace Marshall Jr. has shown flashes of promise in his NFL career, participating in 36 games over three seasons and recording 64 receptions for 767 yards. Despite these moments of potential, Marshall has struggled with consistency, which is reflected in his modest receiving grade of 56.6 from Pro Football Focus.
New Panthers head coach Dave Canales is optimistic about Marshall’s future, praising his reliability and potential. Canales believes that Marshall’s comfort with the new system will enhance his performance. However, with established players like Diontae Johnson, Adam Thielen, Xavier Legette, and Jonathan Mingo ahead of him, Marshall’s position on the roster remains uncertain.
Safety Jammie Robinson Has His Work Cut Out
Jammie Robinson, a Day 3 pick in the 2023 draft, faces significant challenges to secure his spot on the Panthers’ roster. He is currently behind Xavier Woods and Sam Franklin Jr. on the depth chart and competes with Jordan Fuller, Nick Scott, and Alex Cook at strong safety.
Last season, Robinson had limited playing time on defense, recording 10 tackles and allowing all five targets against him to be completed. However, he made notable contributions on special teams. To make an impact and secure his place on the team, Robinson will need to find creative ways to stand out during training camp and preseason.
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The Panthers have difficult decisions ahead regarding their roster, especially with players like Mays, Marshall, and Robinson needing to demonstrate significant improvement and consistency to secure their spots. The competition is intense, and their performances in the upcoming preseason will be crucial in determining their futures with the team.
