Panthers taking chance on standout UFL receiver

The Carolina Panthers are dipping into an unconventional pool of talent.

Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported Thursday that the Panthers are expected to sign wide receiver Daewood Davis, pending a physical. Davis spent time earlier this year in the UFL with the Memphis Showboats.

The 25-year-old Davis went undrafted in 2023 following stints at both Oregon and Western Kentucky in college. He signed with the Miami Dolphins as an undrafted free agent but was waived months later after suffering a scary injury during a preseason game against the Jacksonville Jaguars that caused the game to be suspended.

Fortunately for Davis, he was able to bounce back in the UFL this year, logging 446 receiving yards and five touchdowns for the Showboats during their 10 regular-season games. That was good enough to earn Davis All-UFL team honors.

The Panthers earlier this offseason added a new No. 1 receiver and also drafted South Carolina WR Xavier Legette with their first-round pick in this year’s draft (No. 32 overall). Now Davis will give them more depth as well as some big-play upside at the position.