DT Aaron Hall among surprise picks for Panthers' initial 53-man roster

Anchored by Pro Bowler Derrick Brown, the Carolina Panthers' evolving defensive front features a newcomer and two rookies, including undrafted free agent Aaron Hall, who survived Sunday's NFL cutdown day.

Clubs were scheduled to make their final moves before the 6 p.m. ET deadline.

Coach Dave Canales anticipated the challenges the front office would face over the weekend.

"There's a lot to work through," Canales said after Friday's 16-13 preseason-ending victory over the visiting Houston Texans. 

A former Duke standout, Hall could have been considered a surprise choice by Dan Morgan to remain on the Panthers' initial 53-man roster. Electing to begin with only three running backs and guards, the Panthers' general manager opted for six defensive tackles after executing a trade with the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday.

The Panthers acquired TeRah Edwards for a 2028 sixth-round draft pick. Although he did not appear in a game as a rookie last season, Edwards dressed for three preseason games and recorded 10 tackles. 

Linebacker Trevin Wallace, a 2024 third-round draft pick, wide receivers David Moore and Ja'seem Reed, and tight end James Mitchell were among the notable cuts. With the players immediately becoming free agents, some could return Monday as part of the 16-man practice squad, with a maximum of six vested veterans

Maz Mwansa is expected to serve as the team's International Player Program exemption.

Panthers trimmed roster to 53 for NFL's regular season

Hall made the regular-season roster along with second-round draft pick Lee Hunter and Cam Jackson, a fifth-rounder last year. At 6-foot-4, 297 pounds, Hall earned 2025 third-team All-ACC honors, registering 121 combined tackles, including 22.5 for a loss and 8.0 sacks. Helping to form a young defensive front, Hall was joined by second-round draft pick Lee Hunter and sophomore Cam Jackson.

UDFA offensive tackle Albert Reese IV also made the cut. 

Hall and Reese extended Morgan's streak to 3-for-3 for undrafted rookies breaking training camp with a spot on the 53, joining Thornton last season and wide receiver Jalen Coker in 2024.

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Here is a positional look at the Panthers' initial 53-man regular-season roster:

Offense

• Quarterbacks: Bryce Young, Kenny Pickett, Haynes King
• Running backs: Chuba Hubbard, Jonathon Brooks, AJ Dillon
• Centers: Luke Fortner, Sam Hecht
• Guards: Robert Hunt, Damien Lewis, Chandler Zavala
• Offensive lineman: Brady Christensen
• Tackles: Rasheed Walker, Monroe Freeling, Stone Forsythe, Albert Reese IV
• Tight ends: Tommy Tremble, Mitchell Evans, Ja’Tavion Sanders, Feleipe Franks, Darren Waller
• Wide receivers: Tetairoa McMillan, Jalen Coker, Xavier Legette, Brycen Tremayne, Jimmy Horn Jr., John Metchie III

Defense

• Defensive tackles: Derrick Brown, Bobby Brown III, TeRah Edwards, Cam Jackson, Lee Hunter, Aaron Hall
• Inside linebackers: Devin Lloyd, Claudin Cherelus, Jackson Kuwatch
• Outside linebackers: Jaelan Phillips, Patrick Jones II, Princely Umanmielen, Trevis Gipson, Thomas Incoom
• Cornerbacks: Jaycee Horn, Mike Jackson, Will Lee III, Akayleb Evans, Chau Smith-Wade
• Safeties: Tre’von Moehrig, Nick Scott, Lathan Ransom, Zakee Wheatley

Special Teams

• Kicker: Ryan Fitzgerald
• Punter: Sam Martin
• Long snapper: J.J. Jansen 

• International Player Program exemption: Maz Mwansa
• Reserve/Injured: Chris Brazzell II, Tyrek Funderburk, Ryan Hayes, Nic Scourton
• Reserve/Injured; designated for Return: Trevor Etienne, Bam Martin-Scott
• Reserve/Non-Football Illness: Taylor Moton
• Reserve/Physically Unable to Perform: Ikem Ekwonu, Tershawn Wharton

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