The Carolina Panthers have made another training camp roster move involving linebacker Jared Bartlett. The team waived Bartlett on July 25 as it added defensive tackle Kyon Barrs, defensive tackle Elijah Garcia and cornerback DeCarlos Nicholson.
The move gives Carolina more room to reshape its roster while training camp competition continues. For Bartlett, it marks another setback in his young NFL career as he looks for his next opportunity.
Jared Bartlett Waived by Carolina
The Panthers officially announced that Bartlett was among three players waived to make room for the new additions. Carolina also waived tackle Derrell Bailey and cornerback Mike Reid.
The team did not publicly list Bartlett as waived with an injury designation in its official transaction announcement. That distinction matters because an injury designation can affect a player’s roster status and subsequent placement.
For that reason, the safest description of the move is simply that Jared Bartlett was waived by the Panthers.
Bartlett’s NFL Journey
Bartlett entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2025 after playing college football at West Virginia and Cincinnati.
He played 50 games at West Virginia before transferring to Cincinnati for his final college season. During that final year, Bartlett led the Bearcats with 69 tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks. The Jets signed him as an undrafted free agent in May 2025.
His first NFL offseason included stops with the New York Jets and Green Bay Packers before Carolina brought him aboard on a reserve/future contract in January 2026. The Panthers’ official transaction log confirms that signing.
What the Roster Move Means
Carolina’s decision was part of a broader effort to add depth at positions it considered important during camp.
The Panthers brought in Barrs and Garcia to strengthen the defensive tackle group while Nicholson added competition at cornerback. The additions meant three roster spots had to be cleared, and Bartlett was one of the players released.
Bartlett was competing for a depth role rather than entering camp with a guaranteed starting position. A 2026 Panthers offseason review also identified him as a player facing a difficult path to making the roster.
Key Facts
- Player: Jared Bartlett
- Position: Linebacker
- College: Cincinnati
- NFL entry: Undrafted free agent in 2025
- 2026 team: Carolina Panthers
- Latest move: Waived July 25, 2026
- Official injury designation: Not stated in the Panthers announcement
Why Jared Bartlett’s Release Matters
Bartlett’s release highlights the pressure facing young NFL players during training camp. Undrafted players often have to compete for limited roster spots against veterans, draft picks and other developmental prospects.
For Carolina, the decision was less about one player and more about balancing the entire roster. The Panthers needed space for defensive additions, and Bartlett became one of the players caught in that competition.
The linebacker now faces an uncertain next step. If another NFL team believes his college production and athletic profile fit its defensive system, he could receive another camp opportunity or compete for a practice squad position.
What’s Next for Bartlett?
The next phase of Jared Bartlett’s career will depend on whether another team shows interest.
His college production gives teams a reason to evaluate him, particularly his ability to contribute around the line of scrimmage. But he will need to earn another opportunity and prove he can translate that production into an NFL role.
For now, the confirmed news is straightforward: Jared Bartlett was waived by the Panthers during the 2026 training camp period. His next opportunity could come quickly as teams continue adjusting their rosters before the regular season
FAQs
Why did the Panthers waive Jared Bartlett?
The Panthers waived Bartlett on July 25 while making room for defensive tackle Kyon Barrs, defensive tackle Elijah Garcia and cornerback DeCarlos Nicholson. Carolina did not publicly provide a specific reason for Bartlett’s individual release.
Was Jared Bartlett waived with an injury designation?
The Panthers’ official announcement simply lists Bartlett as waived. It does not state that he was waived with an injury designation. That distinction should be preserved when reporting the transaction.
Where did Jared Bartlett play college football?
Bartlett played at West Virginia before transferring to Cincinnati for his final college season. At Cincinnati, he led the team with 69 tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks.
When did Jared Bartlett join the Panthers?
The Panthers signed Bartlett to a reserve/future contract on January 12, 2026. He entered the offseason competing for a roster spot at linebacker.
What happens to Jared Bartlett after being waived?
Bartlett can pursue another NFL opportunity, including a possible roster or practice squad opportunity elsewhere. His next destination will depend on interest from teams evaluating their linebacker depth.
