Panthers Release CB Bene Benwikere

(photo credit: ftw.usatoday.com)

In a shocking move to shake up their struggling secondary, the Carolina Panthers announced they had released starting cornerback Bene Benwikere. Benwikere shadowed Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones last week, who compiled 300 yards and one 75-yard touchdown in one of the best performances by a receiver in NFL history. According to Pro Football Focus, Benwikere allowed Jones to have 220 yards.

 With Benwikere being released, Carolina promoted rookie Zach Sanchez to the active roster. Carolina (1-3) will battle the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday Night Football at 8:30 p.m. ET. Head Coach Ron Rivera said he had discussions with his staff about the secondary and decided “it was time to move on.” “We’ve got a group of young guys that we’re looking to play and get them out on the football field,” Rivera said. “It’s something we feel we needed to do as we go forward.

Rookie James Bradberry will see increased playing time going forward, but a toe injury will keep him sidelined for Monday’s game. Carolina will start Robert McClain and rookie Daryl Worley at cornerback against Tampa Bay. The Panthers will also be starting Michael Griffin over Tre Boston at safety. Benwikere began training camp on the PUP list, but started all four regular season games at outside cornerback.

 Benwikere admitted his conditioning wasn’t at its best after Sunday’s loss to Atlanta. Rivera didn’t comment on whether Benwikere’s condition attributed to him getting released. A fifth-round pick in 2014, Benwikere started in 14 games for Carolina over three seasons. His 2015 season ended after he fractured his fibula against Atlanta. Benwikere recorded 76 tackles and two interceptions in 27 games for Carolina. Over the last year, Carolina has either lost or cut their top four corners from last year (Josh Norman, Charles Tillman, Cortland Finnegan, and Benwikere.)