The Carolina Panthers have signed a player to the team that they just cut a day ago.
The Carolina Panthers, like other teams across the NFL, continue to tweak and tamper with the final roster before the start of the new season.
Carolina has been trying to figure out the correct blend of players across the board, with the coaching staff moving pieces around. But ahead of the season start, the Panthers have now signed back a player that they just recently released.
This would be guard Chandler Zavala, with whom the team cut ties a day ago. Zavala has cleared waivers and will now be joining the Panthers' practice squad.
NFL insider Tom Pelissero reported the news on social media.
Zavala is a former fourth-round pick of the Panthers in the 2023 NFL Draft. He appeared in 34 games for Carolina, making 14 starts for the team.
However, Zavala struggled to find any consistency in his game, never developing into a key player for this offense. Carolina tried its best with Zavala, but nothing seemed to stick.
The former NC State product has dealt with some injuries over his career, which have led to his poor play. This includes him missing time due to a knee and calf injury in 2025 alone.
Zavala was on the chopping block entering the season, barring a surprise turnaround in preseason and camp. But the Panthers didn't see his value as a main player.
Now, Zavala is back with the team, but he will still need to earn his keep on the practice squad.
Can the Panthers Get Back to Playoffs in 2026?
While Zavala didn't play well, he was part of the team that reached the postseason last year. Having continuity on the offensive line can make a big difference, especially with how quarterback Bryce Young's career has gone so far.
This team is trying to get back to the playoffs, but whether they can remains to be seen. The play of Young will ultimately determine everything for this group, and the Panthers are going to need him to be consistent game-to-game.
Getting experience last year should help, but Young's career hasn't gone to plan yet. However, the Panthers are excited about his development, and he will get a chance to prove any doubters wrong this coming season.
If Young can limit turnovers, this team could get back to the playoffs in 2026. But the NFC South is tougher entering the season, and this could limit the Panthers ability to repeat as division champions.
