GM Dan Morgan speaks on Panthers' evolving 53-man roster

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Explaining his preseason motives, Carolina Panthers general manager Dan Morgan detailed several roster-constructing decisions during Tuesday's post-NFL cutdown day press conference at Bank of America Stadium.

Among his main talking points, Morgan explained why he decided to go with five tight ends after the announcing the final training camp cuts Sunday and maintained the number after making a few more moves Monday, saying:

"I think it really comes down to each of those guys have a specific skill set that we like."

Morgan also described his feelings on the new-look offensive line and how he wasn't overly concerned with the unit's sieve-like performance during last Wednesday's joint practice with the Houston Texans. First-round draft pick Monroe Freeling struggled against the Texans' top-ranked pass rush. Panthers quarterbacks were sacked at least seven times and a pressured Bryce Young lost a fumble and tossed two interceptions. Still, Morgan did not sound overly concerned.

"I feel good about our our own line. The Houston practice, absolutely, it was rough, but I thought it was also a really good learning experience."

Morgan appeared coy when discussing the possibility of expanding rookie quarterback Haynes King's role. The Panthers prefer to carry two QBs on the acrtive roster and one on the practice squad, but the GM recognizes the 2025 ACC Offensive Player of the Year may need to remain active to stay with the franchise. 

"I don't have the crystal ball, but he's going to be on our team for the foreseeable future. We're not going to expose them to waivers."

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Morgan credited the Panthers' scouting staff for continuing to uncover undrafted free-agent gems. The under-the-radar prospects allowing greater roster flexibility. This summer, King, defensive tackle Aaron Hall and offensive tackle Albert Reese IV made the team out of training camp. Morgan sounded proud.

"Our college staff has done a really good job identifying these UDFAs that fit what we do from a schematic standpoint. But also the character part of things. They're having success because they have all those characteristics that we're looking for. Not only from a personal standpoint, but from (their) football character and how they fit our scheme."

With the Panthers scheduled to face the visiting Chicago Bears for a Week 1 matchup Sept. 13, the third-year GM remained optimistic over the roster he helped construct and its ability to challenge for back-to-back NFC South championships.

"I'm excited about this team, the direction that we're headed in. I thought we got some really good work in during this training camp. The players who made our roster and our practice squad, they earned it."

More NFL news:

• DT Aaron Hall among surprise picks for Panthers' initial 53-man roster
• TE Ja'Tavion Sanders' time with Panthers could be running out
• Panthers QB3 Haynes King's walk-off TD triggers roster spot, $3.1M salary
• Panthers WR Jimmy Horn Jr. facing tough NFL training camp roster test
• Panthers' Bryce Young buries defense during NFL training camp practice
• Newcomer Cam Gill in game-shape for first Panthers practice in pads