CHARLOTTE — Adam Thielen is still on the roster. But at the moment, Hunter Renfrow isn't.
Releasing Renfrow was one of the difficult moves on Tuesday, but parting ways with the former Clemson star highlighted the depth the Panthers had at the wide receiver position. That includes Thielen, who was the object of a lot of trade speculation in recent days.
With Tuesday's moves to get to the 53-man roster, the Panthers took a first step toward the regular season.
Renfrow could still choose to remain on the Panthers' practice squad tomorrow, or he could simply wait, since there are always moves after the first roster is set. That's the case every year, but at the moment, the Panthers are still in a bit of flux at a few positions.
The roster features a few numbers that stand out.
They kept six outside linebackers, including special teamer Thomas Incoom and DJ Johnson, and have just four inside linebackers, including undrafted rookie Bam Martin-Scott. That leaves little experience behind starters Christian Rozeboom and Trevin Wallace.
All eight of this year's draft picks remain on the roster, along with three undrafted rookies — Martin-Scott, cornerback Corey Thornton, and kicker Ryan Fitzgerald.
POSITION-BY-POSITION LOOK AT INITIAL 53
Quarterbacks: (2): Bryce Young, Andy Dalton.
This was always going to be the group on the 53; now the only question is about who they bring back for the practice squad. They have familiarity with Jack Plummer, but could look elsewhere as well.
Running backs (3): Chuba Hubbard, Rico Dowdle, Trevor Etienne.
With fourth-rounder Etienne likely to handle at least half of the return duties, it squeezed out Raheem Blackshear, who runs hard but lacks the same kind of dynamic speed as Etienne.
Tight ends (4): Ja'Tavion Sanders, Tommy Tremble, Mitchell Evans, James Mitchell.
James Mitchell had a good camp, and they need the depth at this position with Tremble so closely removed from being cleared from back surgery.
Wide receivers (7): Tetairoa McMillan, Adam Thielen, Xavier Legette, Jalen Coker, Brycen Tremayne, David Moore, Jimmy Horn Jr.
Cutting Renfrow was difficult after a strong training camp, as he returned from a year out of the league following a diagnosis of ulcerative colitis. But this group is talented and deep, and with the emergence of Tremayne as a big target and big contributor on special teams, someone had to go. Since he's a vested veteran, he doesn't have to pass through waivers and can sign to the practice squad if he chooses.
Offensive linemen (9): LT Ikem Ekwonu, LG Damien Lewis, C Austin Corbett, RG Robert Hunt, RT Taylor Moton, Brady Christensen, Yosh Nijman, Cade Mays, Chandler Zavala.
This is the deepest position on the roster, and that's on purpose. The Panthers are wealthy in former starters among their reserves, because protecting their quarterbacks and running the ball were priorities.
Defensive linemen (6): Derrick Brown, A'Shawn Robinson, Tershawn Wharton, Bobby Brown III, Cam Jackson, Jaden Crumedy.
With LaBryan Ray heading to IR (he can be designated for return after four weeks), the Panthers held onto a couple of recent draft picks for depth in Jackson and Crumedy.
Outside linebackers (6): Patrick Jones II, DJ Wonnum, Nic Scourton, Princely Umanmielen, Thomas Incoom, DJ Johnson.
A couple of veteran starters, a couple of draft picks with promise, along with a special teamer in Incoom and Johnson, who had his best camp.
Linebackers (4): Christian Rozeboom, Trevin Wallace, Claudin Cherelus, Bam Martin-Scott.
This group could still be in flux, as they'll be looking for depth and special teams help in the coming days. Martin-Scott, the undrafted rookie from South Carolina, made an early impression here and has the potential to develop.
Cornerbacks (5): Jaycee Horn, Mike Jackson, Chau Smith-Wade, Corey Thornton, Akayleb Evans.
Thornton, another undrafted rookie, made the 53 with a strong preseason. They're solid in the starting group with Horn and Jackson, and Smith-Wade has developed into a solid nickel. Evans is a solid special teams player as well, and they'll need those in the coming weeks.
Safeties (4): Tre'von Moehrig, Nick Scott, Lathan Ransom, Demani Richardson.
The Panthers looked at a number of veteran options throughout the offseason, and that could still be the case. But this group gives them a defensive tone-setter in Moehrig, a core special teamer in Scott, and a couple of young players who have interesting skills. Ransom could end up being a starter, and Richardson has a track record of making plays when he gets on the field.
Special teams (3): K Ryan Fitzgerald, P Sam Martin, LS JJ Jansen.
This is the group, until it isn't. The Panthers have said they'll look at all the available kickers around the league, so until Fitzgerald lines up for the opening kickoff, field goal, or extra point in Jacksonville in a week and a half, it's probably safest not to make too many assumptions.
Check out headshots and action photos of the Panthers' initial 53-man roster this season.
This is a 2025 photo of Ja'Tavion Sanders of the Carolina Panthers NFL football team. This image reflects the Carolina Panthers active roster as of Friday, June 13, 2025 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
This is a 2025 photo of Mike Jackson of the Carolina Panthers NFL football team. This image reflects the Carolina Panthers active roster as of Friday, June 13, 2025 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
The Carolina Panthers play the Cleveland Browns in a preseason game on Friday, Aug. 8, 2025 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, NC.
This is a 2025 photo of Tetairoa McMillan of the Carolina Panthers NFL football team. This image reflects the Carolina Panthers active roster as of Friday, June 13, 2025 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
The Carolina Panthers take on the Cleveland Browns at Bank of America Stadium in the first Preseason game of the 2025-26 season.
This is a 2025 photo of Rico Dowdle of the Carolina Panthers NFL football team. This image reflects the Carolina Panthers active roster as of Friday, June 13, 2025 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
The Carolina Panthers take on the Pittsburgh Steelers on Aug. 21, 2025 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, NC. (Photo by Helen McGinnis/Carolina Panthers)
This is a 2025 photo of Sam Martin of the Carolina Panthers NFL football team. This image reflects the Carolina Panthers active roster as of Friday, June 13, 2025 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
This is a 2025 photo of Tre'von Moehrig of the Carolina Panthers NFL football team. This image reflects the Carolina Panthers active roster as of Friday, June 13, 2025 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
The Carolina Panthers take on the Cleveland Browns at Bank of America Stadium in the first Preseason game of the 2025-26 season.
This is a 2025 photo of Bryce Young of the Carolina Panthers NFL football team. This image reflects the Carolina Panthers active roster as of Friday, June 13, 2025 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
The Carolina Panthers take on the Cleveland Browns at Bank of America Stadium in the first Preseason game of the 2025-26 season.
This is a 2025 photo of Nic Scourton of the Carolina Panthers NFL football team. This image reflects the Carolina Panthers active roster as of Friday, June 13, 2025 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
This is a 2025 photo of Andy Dalton of the Carolina Panthers NFL football team. This image reflects the Carolina Panthers active roster as of Friday, June 13, 2025 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
The Carolina Panthers take on the Pittsburgh Steelers on Aug. 21, 2025 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, NC. (Photo by Helen McGinnis/Carolina Panthers)
This is a 2025 photo of Jimmy Horn Jr. of the Carolina Panthers NFL football team. This image reflects the Carolina Panthers active roster as of Friday, June 13, 2025 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
This is a 2025 photo of Xavier_Legette of the Carolina Panthers NFL football team. This image reflects the Carolina Panthers active roster as of Friday, June 13, 2025 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
The Carolina Panthers take on the Cleveland Browns at Bank of America Stadium in the first Preseason game of the 2025-26 season.
This is a 2025 photo of Jalen Coker of the Carolina Panthers NFL football team. This image reflects the Carolina Panthers active roster as of Friday, June 13, 2025 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
This is a 2025 photo of Adam Thielen of the Carolina Panthers NFL football team. This image reflects the Carolina Panthers active roster as of Friday, June 13, 2025 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
The Carolina Panthers take on the Cleveland Browns at Bank of America Stadium in the first Preseason game of the 2025-26 season.
This is a 2025 photo of Nick Scott of the Carolina Panthers NFL football team. This image reflects the Carolina Panthers active roster as of Friday, June 13, 2025 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
This is a 2025 photo of Lathan Ransom of the Carolina Panthers NFL football team. This image reflects the Carolina Panthers active roster as of Friday, June 13, 2025 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
The Carolina Panthers take on the Cleveland Browns at Bank of America Stadium in the first Preseason game of the 2025-26 season.
This is a 2025 photo of Trevor Etienne of the Carolina Panthers NFL football team. This image reflects the Carolina Panthers active roster as of Friday, June 13, 2025 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
This is a 2025 photo of Chau Smith-Wade of the Carolina Panthers NFL football team. This image reflects the Carolina Panthers active roster as of Friday, June 13, 2025 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
This is a 2025 photo of Akayleb Evans of the Carolina Panthers NFL football team. This image reflects the Carolina Panthers active roster as of Friday, June 13, 2025 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
This is a 2025 photo of Chuba Hubbard of the Carolina Panthers NFL football team. This image reflects the Carolina Panthers active roster as of Friday, June 13, 2025 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
This is a 2025 photo of Corey Thornton of the Carolina Panthers NFL football team. This image reflects the Carolina Panthers active roster as of Friday, June 13, 2025 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
The Carolina Panthers play the Houston Texans during a preseason game on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 at NRG stadium in Houston, TX.
This is a 2025 photo of Trevin Wallace of the Carolina Panthers NFL football team. This image reflects the Carolina Panthers active roster as of Friday, June 13, 2025 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
This is a 2025 photo of Princely Umanmielen of the Carolina Panthers NFL football team. This image reflects the Carolina Panthers active roster as of Friday, June 13, 2025 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
This is a 2025 photo of Ryan Fitzgerald of the Carolina Panthers NFL football team. This image reflects the Carolina Panthers active roster as of Friday, June 13, 2025 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
This is a 2025 photo of Demani Richardson of the Carolina Panthers NFL football team. This image reflects the Carolina Panthers active roster as of Friday, June 13, 2025 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
This is a 2025 photo of JJ Jansen of the Carolina Panthers NFL football team. This image reflects the Carolina Panthers active roster as of Friday, June 13, 2025 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
This is a 2025 photo of Thomas Incoom of the Carolina Panthers NFL football team. This image reflects the Carolina Panthers active roster as of Friday, June 13, 2025 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
This is a 2025 photo of Robert Hunt of the Carolina Panthers NFL football team. This image reflects the Carolina Panthers active roster as of Friday, June 13, 2025 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
This is a 2025 photo of DJ Johnson of the Carolina Panthers NFL football team. This image reflects the Carolina Panthers active roster as of Friday, June 13, 2025 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
This is a 2025 photo of Claudin Cherelus of the Carolina Panthers NFL football team. This image reflects the Carolina Panthers active roster as of Friday, June 13, 2025 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
The Carolina Panthers host the Pittsburgh Steelers for a preseason game on Thursday, Aug. 21, 2025 at Bank Of America Stadium, in Charlotte, NC.
This is a 2025 photo of Cam Jackson of the Carolina Panthers NFL football team. This image reflects the Carolina Panthers active roster as of Friday, June 13, 2025 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
The Carolina Panthers play the Houston Texans during a preseason game on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 at NRG stadium in Houston, TX.
This is a 2025 photo of Christian Rozeboom of the Carolina Panthers NFL football team. This image reflects the Carolina Panthers active roster as of Friday, June 13, 2025 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
The Carolina Panthers take on the Pittsburgh Steelers on Aug. 21, 2025 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, NC. (Photo by Helen McGinnis/Carolina Panthers)
This is a 2025 photo of Bam Martin-Scott of the Carolina Panthers NFL football team. This image reflects the Carolina Panthers active roster as of Friday, June 13, 2025 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
This is a 2025 photo of Chandler Zavala of the Carolina Panthers NFL football team. This image reflects the Carolina Panthers active roster as of Friday, June 13, 2025 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
This is a 2025 photo of Ausitn Corbett of the Carolina Panthers NFL football team. This image reflects the Carolina Panthers active roster as of Friday, June 13, 2025 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
The Carolina Panthers take on the Cleveland Browns at Bank of America Stadium in the first Preseason game of the 2025-26 season.
This is a 2025 photo of Cade Mays of the Carolina Panthers NFL football team. This image reflects the Carolina Panthers active roster as of Friday, June 13, 2025 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
This is a 2025 photo of Damien Lewis of the Carolina Panthers NFL football team. This image reflects the Carolina Panthers active roster as of Friday, June 13, 2025 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
This is a 2025 photo of Brady Christensen of the Carolina Panthers NFL football team. This image reflects the Carolina Panthers active roster as of Friday, June 13, 2025 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
This is a 2025 photo of Taylor Moton of the Carolina Panthers NFL football team. This image reflects the Carolina Panthers active roster as of Friday, June 13, 2025 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
The Carolina Panthers hold camp Monday, Aug. 11, 2025 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, NC.
This is a 2025 photo of Yosh Nijman of the Carolina Panthers NFL football team. This image reflects the Carolina Panthers active roster as of Friday, June 13, 2025 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
This is a 2025 photo of Ikem Ekwonu of the Carolina Panthers NFL football team. This image reflects the Carolina Panthers active roster as of Friday, June 13, 2025 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
This is a 2025 photo of Tommy Tremble of the Carolina Panthers NFL football team. This image reflects the Carolina Panthers active roster as of Friday, June 13, 2025 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
This is a 2025 photo of David Moore of the Carolina Panthers NFL football team. This image reflects the Carolina Panthers active roster as of Friday, June 13, 2025 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
The Carolina Panthers hold camp on Wednesday, Jul. 30, 2025 in Charlotte, NC.
This is a 2025 photo of Mitchell Evans of the Carolina Panthers NFL football team. This image reflects the Carolina Panthers active roster as of Friday, June 13, 2025 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
This is a 2025 photo of James Mitchell of the Carolina Panthers NFL football team. This image reflects the Carolina Panthers active roster as of Friday, June 13, 2025 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
The Carolina Panthers play the Houston Texans during a preseason game on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 at NRG stadium in Houston, TX.
This is a 2025 photo of Brycen Tremayne of the Carolina Panthers NFL football team. This image reflects the Carolina Panthers active roster as of Friday, June 13, 2025 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
The Carolina Panthers hold a joint practice with the Houston Texans Thursday, Aug. 14, 2025 at NRG stadium in Houston, TX.
This is a 2025 photo of Pat Jones III of the Carolina Panthers NFL football team. This image reflects the Carolina Panthers active roster as of Friday, June 13, 2025 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
The Carolina Panthers hold camp on Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2025 at Bank Of America Stadium in Charlotte, NC.
This is a 2025 photo of Turk Wharton of the Carolina Panthers NFL football team. This image reflects the Carolina Panthers active roster as of Friday, June 13, 2025 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
This is a 2025 photo of A'Shawn Robinson of the Carolina Panthers NFL football team. This image reflects the Carolina Panthers active roster as of Friday, June 13, 2025 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
This is a 2025 photo of Derrick Brown of the Carolina Panthers NFL football team. This image reflects the Carolina Panthers active roster as of Friday, June 13, 2025 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
The Carolina Panthers play the Cleveland Browns in a preseason game on Friday, Aug. 8, 2025 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, NC.
This is a 2025 photo of Jaden Crumedy of the Carolina Panthers NFL football team. This image reflects the Carolina Panthers active roster as of Friday, June 13, 2025 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
This is a 2025 photo of Bobby Brown III of the Carolina Panthers NFL football team. This image reflects the Carolina Panthers active roster as of Friday, June 13, 2025 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
This is a 2025 photo of DJ Wonnum of the Carolina Panthers NFL football team. This image reflects the Carolina Panthers active roster as of Friday, June 13, 2025 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
