Panthers Will Not Sign QB John Wolford

John Wolford had a deal in place to join the Panthers’ practice squad, but that will no longer be the case. The seventh-year quarterback is not heading to Carolina at this time, Joe Person of The Athletic reports.

Wolford spent the 2023 season with the Buccaneers, spending time under Dave Canales. Tampa Bay’s offensive coordinator for that campaign, Canales took the Panthers’ head coaching gig during the 2024 hiring cycle, so it came as no surprise Wolford showed interest in following him to Carolina. Person adds the Panthers will use that practice squad spot on a different position for the time being, though.

An agreement with Wolford could still be in the cards for Carolina later on, Person notes. The 28-year-old entered the league as a UDFA in 2018, making his regular season debut two years later with the Rams. Wolford made a total of eight appearances and five starts during his Los Angeles tenure, including a wild-card win in 2020 during which he was injured early.

The Buccaneers had Baker Mayfield and Kyle Trask on the depth chart last season, and that remains the case in 2024. Wolford is free to sign with any team, but a spot on a practice squad (rather than an active roster) should be expected unless the early portion of the season leaves potential suitors in need of healthy passers in short order. Attention in Carolina will remain focused on Canales’ ability to develop Bryce Young, a central part of why he was hired as the team’s new coach.

The Panthers have Young and veteran Andy Dalton on the active roster as things stand. The team also has Jake Plummer on the taxi squad as a developmental option. Changes to that depth chart could take place if Wolford finds himself in Carolina, but at least for now that will not take place.

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