Dave Canales Makes Honest Admission on the Unexpected Career Revival of the Carolina Panthers Veteran
This was a surprising yet positive development over the offseason.
Under the new management, nothing was guaranteed. The Carolina Panthers were essentially starting fresh, providing every player with an equal chance to make an impression. Previous draft positions or depth chart roles were irrelevant; everyone—from first-round picks to those fighting for a spot—had to prove themselves.
Some players thrived under the added pressure, while others faltered, losing their chances to be part of the Panthers’ future. A few who initially dodged cuts saw their situations shift dramatically when general manager Dan Morgan made moves on the waiver wire after final cuts.
Jordan Matthews experienced a different outcome. After the disappointment of not making the original 53-man roster, the converted tight end found a place on the practice squad. The very next day, he earned what many considered a well-deserved spot on the active roster.
Carolina Panthers rightfully rewarded Jordan Matthews (eventually)
Matthews began at the bottom and steadily climbed during Carolina’s offseason workouts. His dedication to improvement, eagerness to exceed expectations, and ability to set a positive example for others were standout qualities. The former Vanderbilt star also made significant contributions during practices and preseason games.
Although the decision-makers initially favored other players, that quickly changed, and it won’t affect Matthews, who plans to maintain those same traits and demonstrate his value in Dave Canales’ scheme for 2024.
The head coach praised Matthews for revitalizing a career that had slowed significantly as a wide receiver. Canales also highlighted the player’s leadership qualities, which could be crucial in high-pressure situations.
“What an incredible achievement for Jordan as he redefines his career as a tight end. He has been dependable, consistently making plays for us in the preseason and throughout camp. He showed up every day, especially when our other tight ends faced injuries, stepping up as a key player on special teams. Beyond that, his leadership has shone through as he confronted various challenges while remaining available. He exemplifies what it means to prepare early, prioritize nutrition, study diligently, and uphold a high level of professionalism.”
Matthews has extensive experience in the league and understands how quickly things can change if performance drops. With Tommy Tremble sidelined for most of camp and Ian Thomas dealing with a calf issue, the Panthers would be smart to include him, even with rookie Ja’Tavion Sanders showing promise recently.
Regardless of whether he plays or not, Matthews has every reason to be proud of his achievements this summer. Many players give up when they feel overlooked by the league, but switching positions has helped him thrive.
The Panthers are in dire need of stability in the passing game, and having someone with proven experience can greatly benefit Canales. Tremble and Thomas come into the season facing their own questions. If they don’t meet the heightened expectations, Matthews will be ready to step in.
Given his growth during the preparation period, there’s a strong chance that Matthews can keep progressing if given the chance.