Dec 22, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) passes the ball as Carolina Panthers linebacker Josey Jewell (47) pressures in the third quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

Panthers latest move opens up yet another glaring hole as training camp begins

Originally posted on Carolina Panthers on SI
By Zach Roberts | Last updated Jul 23, 2025 7:40 AM ET

The Carolina Panthers had a few glaring holes going into training camp this week. Several positions on both sides of the ball could've used some more depth, but a few are precariously thin. Safety, tight end, and cornerback are good examples of the biggest holes the Panthers had.

The word "had" in the past tense is key, because the Panthers just opened up another huge hole with one move on the first day of camp. Now, their most glaring need is a linebacker, something that wasn't the case throughout most of the offseason.

Panthers now desperately need a linebacker

Josey Jewell was brought in last offseason to replace Frankie Luvu, a star linebacker who preferred to go join the Washington Commanders and play under a defensive head coach. Not keeping him was obviously a big mistake, but it's been compounded by the sudden release of Josey Jewell.

The Panthers have released LB Josey Jewell, who remains in the protocol seven months after sustaining a concussion against Arizona in Week 16 last year.
Jewell wants to focus on his health, but is hopeful he can play again if his symptoms clear, per sources.
— Joe Person (@josephperson) July 22, 2025

Jewell was still in the concussion protocol after his last NFL game seven months ago. It's possible that he never plays football again, so this was a move that had to be made by the Panthers. It just now makes the linebacker situation even worse.

While Jewell wasn't all that good, he was better than nothing. In his wake, he leaves Trevin Wallace and Christian Rozeboom, a tandem that no opposing offensive coordinators will worry about whatsoever. The front of the defense has improved, and the secondary might be fine, but the middle is a gaping hole.

What are their options? They're limited. There are a few veterans in free agency, and they could swing a trade. Unfortunately, it's so late into the offseason that things are much more difficult to do now. They've spent all their draft picks and a lot of their money, and the talent pool is pretty thin, which is an unfortunate combination of issues.

This article first appeared on Carolina Panthers on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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