Ja'seem Reed trying to elbow way into Panthers' crowded WR room

Jul 28, 2026 - 02:25

0 1

Ja'seem Reed trying to elbow way into Panthers' crowded WR room originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Ja'seem Reed works to be noticed. The Carolina Panthers' unsung wide receiver earned extra NFL training camp attention Sunday.

Racing down the far sideline on the practice fields behind Bank of America Stadium, Reed outran defensive backs Zakee Wheatley and Robert Rochelle on a "go" route. Quarterback Bryce Young lofted a downfield pass that Reed dived, reaching out to snare the pass with his fingertips in the end zone.

The offensive players, who struggled during the camp's opening two workouts, celebrated the highlight reception.

"He's consistent," Panthers coach Dave Canales told reporters. "He knows the concepts, he's a really smart guy—and he's been that way since we got him. A guy we have a lot of trust in.

"And then, he just keeps making plays."

He needs to.

Reed also executed at least two other big-play catches Sunday. As he walked off the field, someone yelled out: "Nice practice."

Humbly, the former University of San Diego standout said: "Thank you ... thank you."

The 2025 undrafted free agent joined the Panthers last July and remained on the practice squad, playing a secondary role during the NFC South-championship campaign.

Could the 6-foot-2, 195-pounder be destined for a return trip to the practice squad?

Panthers' Ja'seem Reed putting NFL on notice

Less than two weeks from kicking off the preseason with a Pro Football Hall of Fame Game matchup against the Arizona Cardinals on Aug. 6, the Panthers' wide receiver room appears loaded.

Five players appear to be locks, barring injury: NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Tetairoa McMillan, Jalen Coker, Xavier Legette, rookie Chris Brazzell II and veteran David Moore, a Canales favorite.

Among the second tier of wideouts, free agent addition John Metchie III, Jimmy Horn Jr. and Brycen Tremayne, a special-teams standout, could have inside tracks at earning roster spots. At least one of the trio likely will be cut before the 53-man roster is finalized.

MORE: Panthers' Xavier Legette creating NFL training camp consistency

Tremayne displayed some grit Sunday after beating safety Isaiah Simmons on a deep touchdown pass. Trailing by a step, Simmons shoved Tremayne from behind and his momentum carried him through the end zone and into the electrical boxes bolted on the chain-linked fence.

"Oh, $#!%," he said, holding his shoulder, as he walked back to the sideline, attended by a trainer.

When asked after practice how he felt, Tremayne said: "I'm all right ... I'm all right."

Then there's Reed, the tier-three headliner who will need to continue making big plays to elbow his way into the crowded wide receiver room.