Panthers' Standout Wide Receiver On Track to Make Roster

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Panthers' Standout Wide Receiver On Track to Make Roster

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Bryce Lazenby | Last updated Aug 16, 2026 1:48 PM ET

The Carolina Panthers played their second preseason game on Saturday. We got to see the starters on the field, at least for a few possessions, but it wasn't the prettiest game.

Through the summer and two preseason games, we've seen several players step up and impress. One of the biggest summer standouts has been wide receiver Ja'seem Reed.

Reed was an undrafted free agent in 2025 who originally latched on with the Cleveland Browns. The receiver was cut by the Browns last summer and signed with the Panthers. Reed ended up spending th 2025 season on the practice squad.

Earlier this offseason, Reed wasn't getting much buzz. Most of the attention was paid to Jimmy Horn Jr., Chris Brazzell II, and John Metchie III. However, Brazzell is out for the year, and Reed has definitely outplayed the other options.

It's not just the fans and media who have been impressed by Reed, either. Recent comments by Panthers' general manager Dan Morgan indicate that Reed is in a great spot.

Dan Morgan Says Reed has Greatly Helped Himself

Morgan joined the Panthers' broadcast on Saturday. The executive was asked about Reed, and he was very complimentary.

"In terms of the 53-man roster, he's (Reed) helped himself a lot," Morgan said.

Dan Morgan seems to indicate Ja’Seem Reed is either a lock to make the 53 or very close to a lock on the Panthers broadcast: “In terms of the 53, he’s helped himself a lot”
— Chris Lea - Sportscaster (@ChrisLeaTV) August 15, 2026

It's not hard to see why Morgan would say that. The receiver has dominated all summer and he's carried that over to the preseason.

Reed has touchdowns in both preseason games so far. The Panthers' offense was largely disappointing on Saturday, but Reed was once again a bright spot. The receiver has good speed and he runs routes very well despite playing at the FCS level in college.

Head coach Dave Canales was also extremely complimentary of Reed recently.

"He's consistent," Canales said of Reed back in late July. "He knows the concepts, he's a really smart guy—and he's been that way since we got him. A guy we have a lot of trust in. And then, he just keeps making plays."

When the head coach and general manager are both complimentary, that probably means you have a good shot of sticking around. Looking at the roster, it will be tough, but it's definitely not impossible for Reed to make the team.

We know Tetairoa McMillan , Jalen Coker, Xavier Legette, and Brycen Tremayne will make the team. David Moore is probably in good shape as well as a favorite of Canales. That likely means there's only one spot available for Reed, Metchie, and Horn.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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