Carolina Panthers WR Catches Attention of Dan Morgan

The Carolina Panthers have now played two preseason games as the schedule rolls on here in August, giving Dave Canales and his staff a good look at the roster. Through two preseason games, the Panthers are 1-1 but the evaluations are what matter most right now. 

One position where there is a battle for roster spots is at wide receiver. Outside of Tetairoa McMillan, Xavier Legette, Brycen Tremayne, and Jalen Coker, there is a battle going on for some key roster spots. 

Players like Jimmy Horn Jr, David Moore, John Metchie III, and Ja'seem Reed are all fighting for key spots. But one of those players has caught the attention of Panthers' general manger Dan Morgan.

During Saturday's broadcast against the Buffalo Bills, Morgan complimented Reed's play so far in camp and the preseason: 

“In terms of the 53, he’s helped himself a lot," Morgan said on the broadcast via Chris Lea.

Getting a vote of confidence from the general manager like that is huge, especially for a player trying to make the roster. Reed's path to the NFL is an interesting one as well as he was an undrafted free agent in 2025 who caught on with the Browns. But here in 2026, he's hoping to make a name for himself in Carolina. 

Reed has performed well in the preseason thus far and is earning the trust of his quarterbacks.

Kenny Pickett was the latest to praise Reed and his play from the preseason game against Buffalo. 

"He's consistently where I need him to be," noted quarterback Kenny Pickett following the Panthers' preseason loss at Buffalo. "We have great conversations on the field, off the field. I have full faith he's going to be where I need him to be, and he just keeps showing up. So there's no surprise."

Reed still has an uphill battle to climb in terms of making the roster. But the good news is that he's drawing the attention of his teammates and coaching staff. There's also two more preseason games and a few weeks of practice before a decision has to be made. If he continues with this strong showing, he should be in good shape come cut down day.