The Carolina Panthers took a huge blow when Josey Jewell was released from the team. His time in Carolina didn’t go according to plan as injuries derailed his NFL career.
Concussion symptoms held Jewell back, dating to his December injury. Knowing that he’d be taking up a spot on the roster, the team mutually agreed that it would be best to let him go. Now, there’s opportunity for this undrafted player to step up in training camp.
Bleacher Report’s Brent Sobleski Coins Bam Martin-Scott as Josey Jewell’s Replacement
Jewell’s release came at an ideal time as training camp has just begun. There is plenty of room for someone else to step up, whether they’ve been with the team a long time or not. No matter the situation the Panthers find themselves in, they still have enough time to get back on track.
Bam Martin-Scott is a 6’2” 231 pound linebacker out of South Carolina. The undrafted rookie signed a three-year, $2.98 million deal. He’s owed $840,000 this season which could turn out to be a steal, depending on how much he’s involved defensively.
Knowing that only $300K is guaranteed, Martin-Scott is playing for his next contracted. Undrafted free agents don’t always have the easiest time in the league, but Jewell’s injury could be the perfect opportunity for him to step up.
Sobleski commented, “The 25-year-old began his football career at a community college before transferring to the South Carolina Gamecocks program. He never became a full-time starter, but contributed more and more each season.”
No one expects Martin-Scott to jump in as the next starter, not yet at least. He’s currently listed behind Trevin Wallace and Claudin Cherelus as RILB 3 on ESPN’s depth chart.
“During his final season on campus, Martin-Scott produced a career-high 67 tackles, nine tackles for loss and two forced fumbles,” Sobleski added.
He continued, “He is an aggressive defender with a quick trigger, and he’s going to deliver a blow upon contact. Those traits can also take him out of position. The Panthers aren’t particularly deep or good at linebacker, which opens a pathway for anyone to secure a spot.”
The Time for Bam Martin-Scott is Now
Sobleski linked Darin Gantt as an “admirer” of Martin-Scott. The Panthers coaching staff has taken a liking to the Indiana native. He’ll make his NFL debut in a few short weeks as the Panthers open their preseason against the Cleveland Browns.
Regardless, other talent remains in the Panthers system. Martin-Scott can make an impact off the bench, but the Charlotte Observer had the chance to speak with Wallace.
Wallace knew that he would have a chance to step up. This defense runs through him now, as the Panthers still have a ton of faith in their squad.
The Observer included a quote from Dave Canales, “It’s a really talented group. They’re very athletic. They’ve got aggressiveness in their style of play. They fit what we’re looking for. So it’s a great opportunity for those guys.”
Martin-Scott is one of seven linebackers who have a chance to make an impact on this team. Knowing how cheap the Panthers were able to sign him for, it’s hard to see Martin-Scott as a starter, but he is poised to be one of the next men up.
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