Carolina Panthers finally make addition to defense as training camp gets underway

The Panthers have added a depth piece on defense.

Aug 24, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Jets cornerback Tre Swilling (31) after the game at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images | Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

The Carolina Panthers, for all the work they did over the offseason, still had a defense that was riddled with holes. Entering training camp, an ideal world would've seen another safety, another cornerback, another linebacker (and that was before cutting Josey Jewell), another tight end, and maybe more.

As the dust settles on the opening of training camp, the Panthers finally have addressed one of those positions, but it's perhaps the least glaring one and it's with a player who may only end up being camp depth and won't have an impact on the regular season.

Panthers add CB after opening of training camp

The Carolina Panthers are signing cornerback Tre Swilling, a veteran who has appeared in three NFL games. He was part of the tryout they hosted on Monday, with plenty of NFL hopefuls showing up to try and earn a spot. So far, only Swilling has.

#Panthers are signing CB Tre Swilling, as a league source confirmed and as @TomPelissero said.

Swilling was part of the big tryout party on Monday. He's played in three career games.

Listed as 6-0, 196 lbs. Camp depth at CB.

They need to make a corresponding move.

— Mike Kaye (@mike_e_kaye) July 23, 2025

According to Charlotte Observer reporter Mike Kaye, he's six feet tall and just shy of 200 pounds. His arrival means the Panthers will need to make a corresponding move. Given the fact that they cut Josey Jewell yesterday, it's unlikely that that move will count, so expect someone else to get cut soon.

The Panthers had precious little depth behind Jaycee Horn and Mike Jackson, and with Horn's injury history, it's never a bad idea to address that. However, given the presence of Jackson and Horn, it's hard to say cornerback was the most pressing need.

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