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Eagles Claim Charles Harris, Place Brandon Graham On IR

November 26th, 2024 at 3:23pm CST by Sam Robinson

Having lost defensive end regulars Brandon Graham and Bryce Huff in the span of a few days, the Eagles are using the waiver wire for help. They are keeping Charles Harris out of free agency.

The Eagles will claim the veteran edge rusher after his Panthers cut, PHLY.com’s Zach Berman reports. Tied to a veteran-minimum salary, Harris will be due barely $400K for the season’s remainder. Philadelphia is placing Graham on IR to clear space for Harris.

Harris, 29, was the Panthers’ co-leader in sacks (three) this season. Carolina had seen its EDGE situation stabilize, to a degree, with D.J. Wonnum debuting after an extended rehab journey. Harris started six games for the Panthers this season but had seen his playing time dip with Wonnum back alongside Jadeveon Clowney.

The six starts were Harris’ most since 2021. The former Miami first-rounder had spent three seasons in Detroit, working as a spot starter as the Dan Campbell– and Brad Holmes-driven rebuild formed. Harris totaled 7.5 sacks for a 3-13-1 Lions team in 2021 but combined for just 2.5 over the next two seasons. After a regular Panthers role, it would seem more likely Harris settles in as a Eagles rotational backup.

Philly had a deep D-end contingent heading into Week 11 but decided to place Huff on IR due to a wrist injury. Huff is expected back late this season, but Graham is not. Although Graham sacked Matthew Stafford on Sunday night, he did not finish the game. The first 15-year Eagle in franchise history, Graham said postgame he suffered a triceps tear that is likely to keep him out for the rest of the season. Graham, 36, had said in July this would be his final campaign; though, he stopped short of confirming that when asked again Sunday night.

Harris joins a DE group that still houses a healthy Josh Sweat, with 2023 first-rounder Nolan Smith and rookie third-round Jalyx Hunt also in the mix. The waiver claim will become the fourth DE on Philly’s 53-man roster. Hunt has only played 66 defensive snaps this season. Either his workload expands by a notable margin or the Eagles plug Harris in after his run as a Panthers regular.

Updated 2025 NFL Draft Order

November 25th, 2024 at 10:10pm CST by Adam La Rose

The Week 12 slate of games is in the books. For many teams, attention is increasingly turning toward the offseason with a playoff berth no longer in reach.

Plenty of time remains for the draft order to change over the coming months, and it will be interesting to see which teams wind up in position to add at the quarterback spot in particular. The crop of prospects for 2025 is not held in high regard after Shedeur Sanders and Cam Ward, meaning the demand for potential franchise passers is set to outweigh demand at the top of the board. Of course, players like Sanders’ Colorado teammate Travis Hunter will be among the ones worth watching closely as well.

The Jets have moved on from head coach Robert Saleh and general manager Joe Douglas, inviting questions about a reset under center as well. Aaron Rodgers wants to play in 2025, but it remains to be seen how his relationship with the organization will take shape down the stretch and if a new regime will prefer to move on at the position. The Giants, meanwhile, confirmed they will be in the market for a new signal-caller with Daniel Jones no longer in the fold.

Teams such as the Raiders have long been mentioned as a team to watch regarding a rookie QB pursuit. Jayden Daniels was a target for head coach Antonio Pierce last spring, and it would come as no surprise if Vegas were to make a push for a long-term starting option this time around. Other franchises not on track to qualify for the playoffs figure to give the Raiders plenty of competition in that department, though.

For non-playoff teams, the draft order will be determined by the inverted 2024 standings — plus a series of tiebreakers, starting with strength of schedule — with playoff squads being slotted by their postseason outcome and regular-season record. Here is an updated look at the current draft order:

  1. Jacksonville Jaguars: 2-9
  2. New York Giants: 2-9
  3. Las Vegas Raiders: 2-9
  4. New England Patriots: 3-9
  5. Carolina Panthers: 3-8
  6. Tennessee Titans: 3-8
  7. New York Jets: 3-8
  8. Cleveland Browns: 3-8
  9. New Orleans Saints: 4-7
  10. Cincinnati Bengals: 4-7
  11. Dallas Cowboys: 4-7
  12. Chicago Bears: 4-7
  13. Indianapolis Colts: 5-7
  14. Miami Dolphins: 5-6
  15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 5-6
  16. Los Angeles Rams: 5-6
  17. San Francisco 49ers: 5-6
  18. Arizona Cardinals: 6-5
  19. Atlanta Falcons: 6-5
  20. Seattle Seahawks: 6-5
  21. Washington Commanders: 7-5
  22. Houston Texans: 7-5
  23. Denver Broncos: 7-5
  24. Los Angeles Chargers: 7-4
  25. Baltimore Ravens: 8-4
  26. Pittsburgh Steelers: 8-3
  27. Green Bay Packers: 8-3
  28. Minnesota Vikings: 9-2
  29. Philadelphia Eagles: 9-2
  30. Buffalo Bills: 9-2
  31. Kansas City Chiefs: 10-1
  32. Detroit Lions: 10-1

Panthers Waive LB Charles Harris

November 25th, 2024 at 9:07pm CST by Ben Levine

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.

Panthers TE Ja’Tavion Sanders Avoids Serious Injury

November 25th, 2024 at 1:15pm CST by Adam La Rose

NOVEMBER 25: An update from Canales (via the Charlotte Observer’s Mike Kaye) brings encouraging news. Sanders avoided a serious neck injury and was at the Panthers’ facility today. While an absence of some sort moving forward should probably be expected, the rookie not suffering a major injury is obviously the best-case scenario at this point.

NOVEMBER 24, 5:25pm: Panthers head coach Dave Canales said that Sanders has been discharged by the hospital, per The Charlotte Observer’s Mike Kaye.

2:36pm: Ja’Tavion Sanders will miss the remainder of the Panthers’ Week 12 contest due to a neck injury. The rookie tight end has been taken to hospital for evaluation, per a team announcement.

Sanders was flipped out of bounds after making a catch during the second quarter of Sunday’s matchup with the Chiefs. He hit his head upon landing and was ultimately placed on a backboard and carted off the field. ESPN’s David Newton notes Sanders showed movement on his way out of the stadium, and the team has confirmed that remains the case as he receives further evaluation (h/t Joe Person of The Athletic).

That could leave his time in hospital as a quick precautionary measure, but in any event this injury could lead to notable time on the sidelines. Sanders had appeared in every game so far this season, logging a 60% snap share. The fourth-rounder drew at least five targets four times during a five-game span recently, a sign of his increasing role in Carolina’s passing game. With fellow tight end Ian Thomas landing on IR this past week, an opportunity exists for Sanders to solidify his status as a key skill-position figure down the stretch.

However, this injury could leave him unavailable for an extended period. The Texas product recorded 253 yards and one touchdown on 26 catches entering Sunday’s action. Continuing that production once back in the fold will be key in establishing Sanders’ role on offense moving forward. Part of the Panthers’ overall efforts to add playmakers on offense via the draft this spring, he could develop into a long-term contributor over time as Carolina looks to rebuild.

In the meantime, attention will turn to Sanders’ recovery. With the Panthers sitting at 3-7 on the year heading into Week 12, a hurried return to action to help a postseason push is not in the cards. If he can suit up at some point later this year, though, Sanders could continue what has been a relatively encouraging rookie campaign.

Dave Canales: Bryce Young Will ‘Absolutely’ Start In Week 13

November 24th, 2024 at 8:56pm CST by Nikhil Mehta

Panthers head coach Dave Canales emphatically backed quarterback Bryce Young after Sunday’s game, saying that the 2023 No. 1 overall pick will “absolutely” start in Week 13, per ESPN’s David Newton.

Young began the season as Carolina’s starting quarterback, but lost the job after just two weeks with a dismal combined statline of 31 completions on 56 attempts for just 245 yards with three interceptions and zero touchdowns. Andy Dalton took over under center, but sprained his thumb in a car accident in October, pressing Young back into a starting role in Week 8. He delivered his best game of the year with 224 passing yards and two touchdowns against the Broncos, earning him another start in Week 9, even though Dalton was healthy enough to play.

Young then led the Panthers to back-to-back victories to bring them to 3-7 ahead of their Week 11 bye, keeping him under center against Kansas City in Week 12. He put up a season-high 263 passing yards on Sunday and especially excelled against the blitz with 11 completions on 13 attempts for 135 yards and a touchdown, according to Newton.

Sunday’s performance earned Young an unusually strong backing from his head coach. Canales has typically waited at least 24 hours (and up to three days) before naming Young as the next week’s starter since Week 8, saying that he has to watch game film and consult his staff before making a decision. This time, Canales didn’t need any time to make up his mind.

In addition to winning over his head coach, Young seems to have earned the confidence of his teammates. Veteran offensive guard Robert Hunt was “fired up” by Young’s postgame speech in the locker room, a rare occurrence since he was drafted, per Newton.

Many expected Canales to kickstart Young’s development after his success with Geno Smith in Seattle and Baker Mayfield in Tampa Bay. The benching may have eroded Young’s confidence initially, but his recent starts have the young quarterback trending in the right direction.

Panthers Place RB Miles Sanders On IR

November 23rd, 2024 at 3:57pm CST by Nikhil Mehta

The Panthers have placed running back Miles Sanders on injured reserve, per team reporter Darin Gantt.

Sanders exited Carolina’s Week 10 victory over the Giants in the second quarter and has not practiced since.

Despite signing a four-year, $25.4MM contract with the Panthers in 2023, Sanders has played second fiddle to Chuba Hubbard in the backfield over the past two seasons. This year, Sanders has just 38 carries for 139 yards (3.7 yards per carry) compared to 818 yards on 161 attempts (5.1 yards per carry) by Hubbard.

Sanders’ latest injury could spell the end of his time in Carolina, according to ESPN’s David Newton. Sanders has no guaranteed salary in the remaining two years of his contract, and the Panthers could save $9.8MM in salary cap space in 2025 and 2026 with a dead cap hit of just under $3MM, per OverTheCap.

The Panthers signed wide receiver Deven Thompkins to fill Sanders’ spot on the active roster. He was elevated for Carolina’s last two games with Adam Thielen still working his way back from a hamstring injury, though the veteran is expected to play in Week 12.

Carolina also used practice squad elevations for wide receiver Dan Chisena and linebacker Kenny Dyson, their first call-ups of the season.

Panthers Place TE Ian Thomas On IR; LB Amaré Barno Returns To Practice

November 18th, 2024 at 7:52pm CST by Ben Levine

With the Panthers coming off their bye week, the front office made a series of moves today. Most notably, the team placed tight end Ian Thomas on injured reserve. The team also signed cornerback Caleb Farley to the active roster.

Thomas suffered a calf injury during the team’s Week 10 win in Germany. The tight end will now be sidelined for at least the next four games, but there’s still a chance he could appear in a handful of December contests if he requires only a minimum stint on IR. Thomas also missed a chunk of games to begin the year as he nursed a calf injury.

Thanks in part to his absences, the veteran has been limited to only three catches this season. This performance came on the heels of a 2023 campaign where Thomas hauled in only five receptions. The former fourth-round pick did have a moderate offensive role between 2018 and 2022, with Thomas averaging 22 receptions for 200 yards per season.

Elsewhere on the roster, Farley will now have a secure role on the active roster after having been elevated three times from the practice squad. A former first-round pick by the Titans, Farley has seen time on 29 defensive snaps during his first season in Carolina. He’ll continue to play a depth role behind Jaycee Horn, Mike Jackson, and Dane Jackson.

The Panthers are also getting close to welcoming back some linebacker depth, as Amaré Barno returned to practice today. The organization will now have 21 days to activate the LB to the active roster. The 2022 sixth-round pick tore his ACL during last year’s Christmas Eve game, and there’s a chance his recovery won’t even span an entire year. After getting into nine games as a rookie, Barno appeared in 15 games in 2023, finishing with 21 tackles while splitting time between defense and special teams.

NFL Practice Squad Updates: 11/18/24

November 18th, 2024 at 7:05pm CST by Ben Levine

Today’s practice squad moves:

Arizona Cardinals

Carolina Panthers

Indianapolis Colts

Las Vegas Raiders

Los Angeles Rams

Seattle Seahawks

NFC South Notes: Brooks, Canales, Saints

November 15th, 2024 at 1:50pm CST by Nikhil Mehta

Panthers rookie running back Jonathon Brooks is expected to make his NFL debut after Carolina’s Week 11 bye, per NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo.

Brooks was activated from the reserve/non-football injury list November 6 ahead of the Panthers’ Week 10 matchup with the Giants in Germany, but he remained inactive for that game. Instead, he will have to wait even longer for his first professional snaps after being drafted by Carolina with the 46th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.

Brooks’ debut will come against the reigning Super Bowl winners, who have held opponents to 83.2 rushing yards per game this year, the third-lowest in the league. The 21-year-old running back will likely ease into the Panthers’ game plan with teammate Chuba Hubbard ranking in the top five in rushing yards and attempts this season. With Brooks, Hubbard and Miles Sanders all signed through 2026, Carolina may consider some two-back formations to get the most out of its offense.

Here is the latest from the NFC South:

  • Panthers owner David Tepper has made four head coaching changes since 2022, but Dave Canales is expected to keep his job despite his team’s record this year, per The Athletic’s Joseph Person. But changes on his staff could be impending with the defense allowing a league-worst 31.0 points per game and 2022 No. 1 overall pick Bryce Young still struggling to develop.
  • Though Brian Burns was clearly frustrated with the lack of progress on extension talks with the Panthers, he did not force his way out of Carolina. “I never requested a trade,” said Burns, according to ESPN’s Jordan Raanan. However, it was clear that the Panthers would not give him the $28.2MM per-year contract that he eventually signed with the Giants, per ESPN’s David Newton.
  • The Panthers needed additional salary cap space in October, so they restructured the contract of outside linebacker D.J. Wonnum. Carolina converted this year’s per game roster bonuses into a signing bonus and adding three voidable years to the end of his contract, which expires after the 2025 season, per KPRC2’s Aaron Wilson. His 2024 salary cap hit dropped to $2.525MM with a $8.4MM cap hit in 2025.
  • The Saints are facing a key contract decision with quarterback Derek Carr, who has a $51.5MM salary cap hit in 2025 with $10MM in guaranteed salary and a $10MM roster bonus. The remaining $30MM of his salary is currently guaranteed for injury but becomes fully guaranteed on the third day of the 2025 league year, per Jason Fitzgerald of OverTheCap. New Orleans is already projected to be $63.8MM over the salary cap in 2025, so it may need to consider moving on from Carr to kickstart a rebuild and help its financial situation. The Saints may consider benching Carr like the Broncos did with Russell Wilson last year to make sure that he doesn’t get injured and trigger his guarantees for the 2025 season.
  • Alvin Kamara‘s recent extension includes some specific requirements for the All-Pro running back to reach his contract’s maximum value. If he does not attend 100 percent of OTAs in 2025 – something he has not done in several years – the Saints can reduce his salary by $353,000, according to ESPN’s Katherine Terrell. If Kamara records at least 1,600 yards from scrimmage in 2026, he is eligible for a $500,000 bonus for each Satins postseason victory that year, per Terrell.
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