The Carolina Panthers announced Wednesday that they cut backup quarterback Matt Corral.
Corral was a third-round pick of the Panthers last year but has been shackled by a foot injury since signing with the team.
Corral wasn’t the only player waived on Wednesday. The Panthers also cut wide receiver Shi Smith, cornerbacks Keith Taylor and Stanley Thomas-Oliver, linebacker Brandon Smith, and offensive lineman Deonte Brown as cut casualties from former Matt Rhule’s three-year tenure.
In all, 13 of Rhule’s 24 draft picks have been cut by the team, including Corral. At least Thomas-Oliver and Brown were brought back and signed with the practice squad, which could happen with Corral and Panthers head coach Frank Reich hopes.
“I would love to have Matt back,” he said. “Matt’s incredibly athletic. He’s got a really strong arm. He’s worked as hard as anyone in the building. He spent a lot of time in this building. … So happy with the progress he’s made, and he’s had a lot of snaps in the preseason and he’s done a good job.”
It was obvious the handwriting was on the wall for Corral and every quarterback on the Panthers roster when they drafted Bryce Young. But at least Corral may have a chance to be re-signed as the backup quarterback for Young.
