4 days ago
Panthers sign rookie pass rusher, release 2022 draft pick
After making an adjustment to the cornerback position on Friday afternoon, the Carolina Panthers went on to do the same at outside linebacker just a few hours later.
The Panthers have signed undrafted rookie outside linebacker J.J. Weaver, one of 14 players who worked out for the team this past Monday. To make room for the 25-year-old, Carolina released fellow pass rusher Amaré Barno—a sixth-round pick from the 2022 draft.
Weaver played six years at the University of Kentucky, where he amassed 21.5 sacks and 41 tackles for a loss over 58 games. The 6-foot-5, 241-pounder also tallied two interceptions, five forced fumbles and six fumble recoveries.
He'll now take the spot on the summer roster in place of Barno, who has spent each of his three NFL seasons in Carolina. Barno, limited in part by a knee injury he sustained in 2023, recorded 3.0 sacks in 29 appearances for the article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: Panthers sign OLB J.J. Weaver, release 2022 draft pick Amaré Barno