The Carolina Panthers' Next Cap Casualty Could Be a Fan Favorite

Tommy Tremble is well-liked in Charlotte, but he's probably not going to be on the roster much longer.

Carolina Panthers tight end Tommy Tremble (82) runs on to the field before the game | Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

The Carolina Panthers aren't so cap-strapped that they'll have to make moves just to survive, but they're not exactly flush with cash right now. They have $2.2 million, according to Over the Cap.

It is estimated that NFL teams need about $10 million in space to sign a rookie class. The Panthers don't have that much money, but two simple moves could easily clear up enough space to make everything work.

Sadly, the most likely and most straightforward cut is a fan favorite of sorts.

Carolina Panthers may have to cut Tommy Tremble

Carolina Panthers tight end Tommy Tremble (82) scores a touchdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

The Carolina Panthers would save $4 million in cap space by cutting Tommy Tremble. They could save an additional $4.75 million by cutting Patrick Jones, another move that would put them over the $10 million needed.

Jones makes more sense given the depth at edge rusher, but he's a veteran presence that the Panthers seem to value at a key position. Tremble is one of three underwhelming tight ends, but he's the oldest.

And since the Panthers seem poised to take Kenyon Sadiq in the first round of the NFL draft, Tremble would be the fourth tight end, and he's the only one they can reasonably cut. The writing is almost on the wall for his Panthers' tenure.

It's been underwhelming, to say the least. He cracked 1,000 yards last year... for his entire five-year career. He hasn't made much of a mark, which is why it'll be easy to cut him.

That said, fans like him. He's a fun player to have around. He's good for a ridiculous catch and run every once in a while (like the sealing catch and run against the Atlanta Falcons in overtime).

Carolina Panthers tight end Tommy Tremble (82) runs with the ball in the overtime | Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

Tremble tries to hurdle players at the most hilarious times. He tries to stiff-arm everyone. He does all these things while being a pretty mediocre player, making it all the more enjoyable for fans.

If he is cut, he will be missed, but not because of his production. It was a little surprising to see the Panthers sign him to a two-year deal last offseason, but it makes sense to move on from him now.

The Panthers are getting younger at tight end with Ja'Tavion Sanders and Mitchell Evans, and adding anyone in 2026, be it Kenyon Sadiq or another tight end, just doesn't leave room for Tremble. Plus, his cap space relief will be helpful to a team that spent a ton in free agency.