Panthers Keep Shuffling: J.J. Weaver In, Amaré Barno Out in Carolina's Latest Roster Move
Training camp just kicked off, but things are already heating up in Carolina—and not just because of the July sun. The Panthers are shaking up their roster, and the latest move? A promising new face is stepping in, while a familiar one is stepping out.
If you’ve been tracking the Panthers' offseason hustle, you know they've been in full evaluation mode, making calculated tweaks to strengthen both sides of the ball. Friday was no exception. After already reworking their cornerback situation earlier in the day, Carolina’s front office circled back with another adjustment—this time targeting the outside linebacker spot.
Enter J.J. Weaver, an undrafted rookie linebacker who just made a bold leap onto the Panthers’ 90-man summer roster. Weaver was one of 14 players who auditioned for the team earlier this week during Monday’s workout session. And clearly, he left a mark.
Who is J.J. Weaver?
Let’s talk about this new addition. Weaver may not have heard his name called on draft weekend, but don’t let that fool you—this kid has serious potential.
Coming out of the University of Kentucky, Weaver brings with him six seasons of SEC-level experience, a conference known for producing top-tier defensive talent. He’s a physical specimen—standing at 6-foot-5 and tipping the scale at 241 pounds—and he has the stats to back up his size.
During his collegiate career, Weaver notched 21.5 sacks and 41 tackles for loss over the span of 58 games. His versatility shined through in multiple areas—he added two interceptions, five forced fumbles, and six fumble recoveries to his stat sheet. That’s a guy who not only gets to the quarterback but has a nose for the ball in general.
And now? He’s got his shot in the NFL.
High-Risk, High-Reward Potential
Undrafted rookies always come with a bit of mystery, but J.J. Weaver feels like a calculated risk—the kind of upside play a rebuilding team like Carolina should be making.
He’s shown flashes of big-play ability, but consistency has been the one knock on his game. Still, if Weaver can tap into his full toolkit and adjust quickly to the pro speed, this could be a steal. Think of it this way: not every standout defender gets drafted. Sometimes the gems are the ones who quietly grind their way through camp and pop off when the pads come on.
Weaver has the tools—size, length, football IQ—to become more than just a camp body.
The Flip Side: Amaré Barno’s Exit
Unfortunately, every new addition means saying goodbye to someone else—and this time, that someone is Amaré Barno. The 2022 sixth-round pick has officially been waived by the Panthers to make room for Weaver.
It’s a bit of a tough break for Barno, who had shown promise early on, especially with his blazing 4.36 40-yard dash coming out of Virginia Tech. That kind of speed is rare in an edge rusher, but it never quite translated consistently on the field.
Barno spent all three of his NFL seasons in Carolina. Across 29 appearances, he posted 3.0 sacks, though his opportunities were limited—especially after suffering a knee injury in 2023 that kept him on the sidelines for much of the year. The injury undoubtedly slowed his development, and the emergence of younger, hungrier talent put him on the bubble.
Changing of the Guard
This move marks a bit of a changing of the guard at the position. The Panthers appear to be prioritizing durability and developmental upside over previous draft status, which signals a clear message—every spot on this roster has to be earned.
For Barno, the hope is he’ll catch on elsewhere. There’s still intrigue around his athleticism and raw potential. With a clean bill of health, it wouldn’t be shocking to see him land on a practice squad or even get a shot with a team in need of speed off the edge.
Training Camp Just Got More Interesting
For fans keeping tabs on the Panthers’ camp, this signing adds a layer of intrigue to the linebacker rotation. Weaver joins a group that includes both established veterans and young upstarts trying to carve out roles.
And this isn’t just a filler signing, either. Weaver’s track record in college suggests he’s got the traits to stick—especially if he shines on special teams or in third-down pass-rush packages. Keep an eye on this guy once the pads come on.
It’s also worth noting how aggressive the front office has been in bringing in fresh blood. In today’s NFL, where injuries and depth issues can derail a season fast, finding and developing “next man up” talent is more important than ever.
The Bigger Picture in Carolina
Zooming out, this is part of a larger trend for Carolina under new leadership. There’s a renewed focus on youth, athleticism, and upside. With the Panthers still in a bit of a retooling phase, these types of moves could lay the groundwork for future success.
J.J. Weaver might not be a household name—yet. But every NFL success story has to start somewhere. And for him, it’s starting in Charlotte, with a fresh playbook and a real opportunity to prove himself.
Final Thoughts
Training camp is the time where longshots become headlines, and Weaver’s journey will be one to watch. He’s got the frame, the production, and now, the chance.
As for Barno? The NFL is a brutal business sometimes. Draft picks aren’t guarantees. Injuries change careers. But with his athletic profile, he should still have some doors open in this league.
For now, it’s Weaver’s time. And if he can bring that same fire he showed in Lexington to Bank of America Stadium, don’t be surprised if he sticks around past the summer.
Key Takeaways:
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🔄 Panthers continue reshaping roster in training camp
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🆕 Signed undrafted rookie LB J.J. Weaver after standout workout
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❌ Released 2022 sixth-round pick Amaré Barno
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🔥 Weaver had 21.5 sacks, 41 TFLs, and multiple turnovers at Kentucky
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👀 Camp battle at outside linebacker just got more competitive
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