The Carolina Panthers have had a busy week, making significant changes to their roster as they prepare for the upcoming NFL season. On Tuesday, the team announced the release of Pro Bowl linebacker Deion Jones, less than a month after signing him to a one-year deal. This move came as a surprise to many, given the strong performance that Jones had shown during the preseason.
However, this decision speaks to the confidence that the Panthers have in their depth at the inside linebacker position. They feel comfortable with Shaq Thompson and Frankie Luvu as their starters, and emerging players like Kamu Grugier-Hill have shown promise in training camp.
In addition to releasing Jones, Carolina also made a trade with the Kansas City Chiefs to acquire wide receiver Ihmir Smith-Marsette. This move could have significant implications for the Panthers, as they are dealing with injuries to several of their top receivers. DJ Chark, Terrace Marshall Jr., and Laviska Shenault Jr. have all been sidelined with various ailments, and their status for the season opener against the Atlanta Falcons is uncertain.
Smith-Marsette had a standout preseason with the Chiefs, recording nine receptions for 195 yards and two touchdowns. He was second in the NFL in receiving yards during the preseason, and his performance caught the attention of the Panthers' front office.
Jones, who was a second-round pick by the Atlanta Falcons in 2016, has had a solid career thus far. He was named to the Pro Bowl in his second season and has recorded 11 sacks and 12 interceptions in his 96 games played.
Overall, these moves show that the Panthers are focused on building a strong and deep roster as they look to compete in the tough NFC South division. With the regular season just around the corner, it will be interesting to see how these changes impact the team's performance on the field.