Training camp got underway for the Carolina Panthers, but there was a surprising omission from those who decided to report to camp.
It was reported on Tuesday that veteran cornerback Rashaan Melvin would not be attending training camp for the organization.
According to team general manager Scott Fitterer, Melvin has been “working through a personal thing” and his attendance at camp was in question.
GM Scott Fitterer on camp attendance: CB Rashaan Melvin is “working through a personal thing, he may come or may not.”
Everyone else is here and passed a physical, LB Shaq Thompson the only one on PUP to begin camp.
— Nick Carboni (@NickCarboniWCNC) July 26, 2022
It has now been made very clear that Melvin will not be attending camp, or even be apart of the Panthers organization moving forward.
Reports emerged on Wednesday that Melvin has retired from the NFL after nine seasons in the league.
Veteran CB Rashaan Melvin won't be out here today, as he has chosen to retire.
The Panthers will have an open roster spot.
— Darin Gantt (@daringantt) July 27, 2022
Melvin appeared in ten games for the Panthers last season, starting in two of those games.
He has bounced around the league during his nine years in the NFL, playing for the Baltimore Ravens, New England Patriots, Indianapolis Colts, Las Vegas Raiders, and Detroit Lions, along with the Panthers.
The veteran cornerback has been a solid contributor during that time, starting 42 of his 74 games played in the NFL over his career.
It’s hard to speculate on the matter, but given this decision came after it was discovered that Melvin was going through some personal issues, his retirement likely stems from whatever that issue is.
This could not have come at a worse time for the Panthers, who also placed second-year cornerback Jaycee Horn on the PUP (Physically Unable to Perform) list on Tuesday ahead of training camp.
Panthers CB Jaycee Horn begins camp on PUP listhttps://t.co/iKIFeq3Ppl pic.twitter.com/0lLNF56mfm
— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) July 27, 2022
They will likely look to fill this hole in the coming weeks after the shocking announcement from Melvin on Wednesday.
