Carolina Panthers make moves at corner, edge and analytics

Friday turned out to be a busy day for the Carolina Panthers front office. In addition to reshaping their roster at a couple of key defensive positions, they also made a new hire for their growing analytics department. Here's a quick review of who's in and who's out heading into the weekend.

Panthers sub out CB Mello Dotson

The first news to hit on Friday afternoon was a change at cornerback. Specifically, MJ Devonshire has been waived to make room for Mello Dotson, who played his college ball at Kansas.

Panthers have replaced one ex-Raiders CB with another.
In: Mello Dotson
Out: MJ Devonshire.

Dotson had 12 career INTs at Kansas, returning four for TDs. The UDFA was waived by LV this week.
— Joe Person (@josephperson) July 25, 2025

Panthers replace OLB Amare' Barno

Next, the Panthers also made a change to the bottom of their edge rusher rotation. They have waived former sixth-round draft pick Amare' Barno, who appeared in 29 games for Carolina over the last three seasons. Taking his place will be undrafted rookie JJ Weaver.

Panthers release edge rusher Amare Barno, sign undrafted rookie edge JJ Weaver.
-Weaver collected 21.5 sacks over six seasons at Kentucky.
-Barno, a 6th-rd pick in '22, tore his ACL late in '23 and had a cleanup surgery this spring. He had 3 sacks in 3 seasons.
— Joe Person (@josephperson) July 25, 2025

Panthers hire Director of Data Science

Last but not least, the Panthers also made an addition to their analytics department, which has a growing reputation around the league. They have hired Benjamin Brown, formerly of PFF and SumerSports as their new Director of Data Science.

The Panthers hired Benjamin Brown as their Director of Data Science, per his LinkedIn and confirming sources.

Brown joins the Panthers from PENN Entertainment where he was the NFL Data Science Manager. He previously worked for SumerSports and PFF.
— Seth Walder (@SethWalder) July 25, 2025

After having yesterday off, the Panthers will resume their training camp practice schedule shortly. We'll have more to come as it unfolds on the field.

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