Panthers release cornerback Bene Benwikere after Julio Jones’ 300-yard outing
The Carolina Panthers secondary was embarrassed in a 48-33 loss to the Atlanta Falcons in Week 4, and the repercussions are stinging.
The Panthers announced on Friday that they have waived cornerback Bene Benwikere and promoted rookie Zack Sanchez from the practice squad.
Benwikere, 25, was Carolina’s fifth-round draft pick in 2014 and had recorded 78 tackles, two interceptions, two forced fumbles, and 21 pass deflections in 14 starts for them since then. But Benwikere was the primary cover last Sunday on Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones, who roasted, fried, and marinated him to the tune of 12 catches for 300 yards and a touchdown.
Carolina has now given up over 1000 yards through the air in their first four games of the season (per ESPN), a stretch that has seen them go 1-3. For a unit still struggling to find their collective identity after All-Pro corner Josh Norman (who appeared to be quite amused by Jones’ 300-yard game) left for the Washington Redskins this past offseason, perhaps this roster shakeup will inject some energy into what has been a sluggish pass defense thus far.
