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Panthers Notebook: GM Dan Morgan Showing Impatient Traits With Activity

In his first year, Panthers GM Dan Morgan has not been shy about reshaping the roster.
Dan Morgan, Carolina Panthers

Dan Morgan continues showing early traits of being an impatient builder. The Carolina Panthers first-year general manager restructured the pre-training camp roster with no fewer than 76 player moves.

Two practices into training camp, Morgan brought in his first four reinforcements. On Friday, the Panthers signed veteran outside linebacker Kemoko Turay, who could help fortify the injury-riddled edge rotation.

Panthers GM Dan Morgan Proving to be Impatient Building Out Roster

Dan Morgan Not Done Retooling Panthers’ Roster

“We’re going to look to add depth to every position, like I said before,” Morgan said earlier this week. “Outside linebacker is no different. We’re just going to try to add as many pieces as we can and create as much competition as we can.”

The NFL team also inked rookie wide receiver Devin Carter (for the second time), tight end Feleipe Franks and cornerback Kiondre Thomas. Turay reportedly worked out Thursday with several free-agent pass rushers, including ex-Panther Marquis Haynes and Yannick Ngakoue. A 2018 second-round draft pick, Turay totaled 33 tackles, 12 sacks, and seven tackles for loss in 41 appearances with the Indianapolis Colts and San Francisco 49ers.

With Jadaveon Clowney expected to start at one end of the 3-4 defense, the Panthers seek a complementary end. Last season, they finished last with 27 total sacks. With D.J. Wonnum and Amare Barno on the PUP list, K’Lavon Chaisson, DJ Johnson, Eku Leota, and Luis Vilain are vying for expanded roles.

Carter initially signed with the Panthers as an undrafted free agent and appeared in the team’s rookie minicamp.

Franks is attempting to transition from quarterback into a playmaking tight end. Thomas has spent time with the Cleveland Browns, Las Angeles Chargers, and Green Bay Packers.

To make room on the 90-man roster, the Panthers cut offensive tackle Christian Duffie, safety Clayton Isbell, and wide receiver Sam Pinckney and placed wide receiver Cam Sims on the PUP list.

CB Jerry Jacobs Selects Rams Over Panthers

With all of his moves, Morgan couldn’t finalize a deal with Jerry Jacobs during his visit Thursday.  The former Detroit Lions cornerback signed with the Los Angeles Rams on Friday, per ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.

Morgan continues to seek a CB2.

Currently, the Panthers have Jaycee Horn and Dane Jackson, but Horn still must prove he can remain healthy enough to earn CB1 status.  Their depth includes Troy Hill, rookie Chau Smith-Wade, Dicaprio Bootle, D’Shawn Jamison, Willie Drew, Lamar Jackson, and Thomas.

Panthers Training Camp Notes

Among the highlights during Thursday’s rainy practice, rookie wide receiver Xavier Legette fought through Jackson’s tight coverage and rose above the cornerback to pull in a downfield pass from quarterback Bryce Young.

 

The Panthers signed free-agent wide receiver Deven Thompkins. … Tight end Tommy Tremble (hamstring) and safety Jordan Fuller (personal) missed Thursday’s workout, the Panthers’ second at their new practice facility. … In the kicker competition, undrafted rookie Harrison Mevis went 4 for 5, missing a 52-yard attempt, Eddy Piñeiro connected on all five of his attempts, including one from 52 yards out. Coach Dave Canales is in no hurry to make a decision. “I’d like to drag that out as long as possible,” he said. … The Panthers on Saturday will stage their annual Back Together practice session at Bank of America Stadium, beginning at 9:30 a.m.

Main Photo: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Jeff Hawkins

Jeff Hawkins

Jeff Hawkins is a two-time APSE award-winning sports writer with four decades of print and digital media experience. A freelancer since 2006, Hawkins spent his early career as a reporter/editor for various newspapers in Michigan, North Carolina, Florida, Upstate New York and Illinois.

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