The Panthers have moved on from their co-leader in sacks. The team announced that they’ve waived linebacker Charles Harris. The move was made to accommodate cornerback Akayleb Evans, who was claimed off waivers from the Vikings.
The Panthers added Harris ahead of Week 2, and the veteran linebacker came in and immediately played a role for his new squad. After coming off the bench in his debut, the 29-year-old proceeded to start the next six games for Carolina. But with D.J. Wonnum recently returning to the lineup, Harris found himself quickly falling down the depth chart.
Harris was suddenly inactive for Week 10 when Wonnum returned to the lineup. Following the team’s bye week, Harris returned to the field and played 33 snaps yesterday. However, his Week 12 appearance coincided with D.J. Johnson‘s absence with a concussion. The Panthers now have their full edge rusher grouping, and Joe Person of The Athletic notes that the team wants to give young players like Cam Gill and Kenny Dyson more reps. That meant there was no spot left for a temporary veteran like Harris.
The linebacker’s Panthers tenure will end with him having compiled three sacks, 21 tackles, and seven QB hits. Harris hinted at some top-end pass-rush ability when he collected 7.5 sacks with the Lions in 2021, but his three-sack cameo with Carolina represents his highest total in three years. Harris should find another gig elsewhere, but he may be hard pressed to earn significant playing time with a new squad.
A 2022 fourth-round pick by the Vikings, Evans started all 15 of his appearances as a sophomore, finishing with 65 tackles, seven passes defended, one interception, and three forced fumbles. Minnesota brought in Stephon Gilmore and Shaq Griffin this offseason, and Evans found himself buried on the depth chart. After getting into only three defensive snaps (along with 83 ST snaps) in seven games, the defensive back was waived by the Vikings this past weekend.