Panthers DL TeRah Edwards appreciates new NFL opportunity

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – As the NFL cutdown day deadline approached last Sunday, new Carolina Panthers defensive tackle TeRah Edwards was "sitting there ... just chillin'.

"It's 30 minutes before the deadline and I was waiting around."

Then, a member of the Los Angeles Chargers, the second-year prospect who stockpiled preseason tape, contemplated where he fit into coach Jim Harbaugh's rotational plans.

Chargers general manager Joe Hortiz ended the suspense, calling with news.

"I'm like, 'Oh, boy, this might not be too good of a call,' " Edwards said.

The 6-foot-2, 305-pounder answered his cellphone and "Mr. Hortiz told me, you're going to be excited, but it's also a weird situation for you.

"Right then, in that moment, I knew, 'they traded me.' "

Panthers general manager Dan Morgan, who generally hoards draft assets, agreed to part with a 2028 sixth-rounder for Edwards, who collected five quarterback pressures in three preseason outings, according to Next Gen Stats.

Morgan triggered the pre-deadline deal before both Derrick Brown and Bobby Brown III departed Tuesday's practice with apparent injuries. Coach Dave Canales confirmed both starting defensive linemen returned to finish the session at the fields behind Bank of America Stadium. Injury concerns likely played a role in Morgan's decision to keep six defensive linemen on the initial 53-man roster.

"I felt like we needed some depth there," Morgan said during Tuesday's press conference. "He's got his motor. He's strong (and) he's physical. He plays the style that we're looking for here. Giving away a pick for somebody like that, you know, it was really an easy decision."

Panthers' TeRah Edwards bolsters positional depth

As a rookie, Edwards spent 2025 on the Chargers' practice squad, earning a futures deal last January. One of his highlights came during a preseason interception, when he returned the turnover 27 yards before being pushed out of bounds by Los Angeles Rams quarterback Stetson Bennett. In four preseason outings in '25, Edwards applied three pressures.

Looking back, Edwards said he needed a professional redshirt campaign.

"For me, 1,000 percent spending last season on the practice squad was good for me," Edwards said. "It primed me for this upcoming season, but it told me I had to bring my best foot forward."

In the Chargers' preseason opener in August, the former Illinois standout collected four tackles, including a fourth-down effort, and three pressures. The Panthers' scouting staff took notice.

Morgan finagled his way to adding Edwards to a core of young front-line defenders.

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

Anchored by former Pro Bowler Derrick Brown, who missed nearly all of 2024 with a knee injury, and Bobby Brown, the Panthers' defensive line remains flanked by prospects, including 2025 fifth-rounder Cam Jackson, 2026 second-rounder Lee Hunter, and undrafted free agent Aaron Hall. 

Seven-year veteran Tershawn Wharton will start the season on the PUP list.

After the initial shock of making the 53-man roster, Edwards practiced with the Panthers for the first time Tuesday, along with former Arizona Cardinals DT Anthony Goodlow, who was added to the practice squad. 

"First impression, it looks like a good group of guys," said Edwards, who otherwise struggled with the Carolina humidity. "From LA to here, I can't lie. That heat punched me in the face, but I'm excited to get to work with them and being in the show."

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