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3 Panthers cut candidates on chopping block entering 2026 NFL training camp appeared first on ClutchPoints. Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
There is plenty of excitement about the Carolina Panthers defense, and QB Bryce Young is taking measured steps on the other side of the ball. But some players are fighting for spots, and here are three cut candidates on the chopping block as the Panthers enter the 2026 NFL training camp.
After a surprise run to the playoffs last season, the Panthers hope to push further. And their roster looks stronger this preseason. Therefore, cuts may come a little harder.
RB AJ Dillon
Gone are the days when Dillon had a vice grip on a roster spot as he did with the Packers. His power-running style gave them the complement they wanted for a few years. He rushed for over 1,500 yards and scored 12 touchdowns in 2021-22 combined.
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However, a neck injury changed the trajectory of his career. He missed the 2024 season. And he had just 12 carries last year for the Eagles.
Still, the Eagles cut him loose. But the Panthers believed in him enough to give him a real shot to make the team, according to the Charlotte Observer.
“AJ has got a great opportunity to compete,” Panthers head coach Dave Canales said. “And there’s more than one way to help this team. There’s not just running the ball. There’s pass protection. There’s route running. There’s special teams. L
“These are all things that AJ has had practice and experience in. And so he brings another … veteran player into that room, which is a competitive room. We’ll see where all that plays out.”
Chuba Hubbard is the starter with Jonathon Brooks the current RB2. Trevor Etienne, who also has special teams abilities, is RB3. So it’s a challenging landscape for Dillon.
WR John Metchie III
Ever since he arrived in the NFL in 2022, Metchie has been an intriguing study. He looks like a guy who could carve out an important role.
But after three years with three different teams, he has just 73 catches and three touchdowns. Health has been an issue. Notably, he overcame cancer and a heart murmur.
He said getting back on the field after missing his rookie season helped him move forward, according to nypost.com.
“The easy answer would be like it was great, just being able to resume doing what you love,” Metchie said. “But like honestly, when you’re away from something, especially dealing with something like leukemia, it’s like learning a new language all over again. L
“Even though it’s a sport, you know, just being away from it for so long, and being focused on so many other things. It’s just like learning a new language, because there’s just so much detail that goes into what we do, so much detail on top of all the competition and balling (laugh), stuff like that.”
These days, Metchie sits at WR6 on the Panthers’ depth chart, according to ESPN. With Tetairoa McMillan, Jalen Coker, and Xavier Legette in the starting lineup, Metchie will have to battle for backup significance with Chris Brazzell II, Jimmy Horn Jr., Brycen Tremayne, and David Moore.
TE James Mitchell
It’s looking like Mitchell could be the odd-man out if the Panthers keep four tight ends, as expected. But there is a caveat for Mitchell, according to the Charlotte Observer.
“It’ll come down to the health and needs of the unit,” Mike Kaye wrote. “If (Ja’Tavion) Sanders, (Tommy) Tremble or (Mitchell) Evans suffers an injury, Mitchell’s offensive prowess might trump (Feleipe) Franks’ special teams value. However, if all things are equal, Franks — who was voted the 2024 special teams MVP of the Panthers by his teammates — will probably get the nod.”
Mitchell has just 16 catches and one touchdown in four NFL seasons. He played in five games last year for the Panthers. But, as Kaye pointed out, there has been a belief that Mitchell could be a useful weapon in the passing game. And that’s a production area the offense must have if Young is going to live up to expectations.
Another interesting part of the equation is that there isn’t a high bar at the position. Tremble has never caught more than 27 passes in a season. Sanders totaled 33 and 29 catches in his first two seasons, respectively. And while Mitchell cannot lay claim to better numbers, he doesn’t have to be a superstar to attract attention at the position.
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