Why the Panthers cut QB Matt Corral, 2022 third-round pick

The Carolina Panthers have waived quarterback Matt Corral, the team announced Wednesday. Here’s what you need to know: The Panthers traded up to select Corral in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft out of Ole Miss. Carolina gave up a 2022 fourth-round pick and a 2023 third-round pick in the trade.

Corral, who was set to begin his second season as the scout-team QB, was third on the depth chart behind Bryce Young — the 2023 No. 1 pick — and veteran Andy Dalton. Carolina coach Frank Reich previously said a lot of factors would go into the decision whether to keep three QBs on the roster, but that he has been encouraged by Corral’s progress this summer.

Why did the Panthers cut him? In the simplest terms, they believed the offensive lineman they claimed off waivers — former Saints guard Calvin Throckmorton — was more critical to the team’s success than keeping a third quarterback. Remember, most of the decision-makers who backed trading up for Corral — beginning with Matt Rhule and former offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo — are gone. And with Corral missing his entire rookie season following foot surgery, Reich and his staff view him more of a developmental player than someone who’s ready to win games.

— Person What’s next for Corral? Corral will be subject to waivers and any team claiming him will have to add Corral to its active roster. Should he clear waivers, Reich said he’d “love” to have Corral back in Charlotte on the practice squad. “We think he’s done very well,” Reich added.

“I’d like to see him continue to progress. ” As mentioned above, Corral missed what would have been a de-facto redshirt season as a rookie while recovering from Lisfranc surgery. So having a year to run the scout team while learning from the Panthers’ staff of QB whisperers — from Reich to Josh McCown to Jim Caldwell — would be beneficial for all.

— Person Backstory Corral missed his entire rookie season following foot surgery, then had an up-and-down preseason. He was disappointed in his accuracy after a 4-for-12 passing night in the exhibition finale against Detroit. “It’s definitely a blessing to keep building in the same offense and keep building this camaraderie with this team,” Corral said Tuesday after making the 53-man roster.

“It’s definitely a good feeling. ” .