Rashaan Melvin‘s path back to a regular-season game took a detour Tuesday. The Panthers made the veteran cornerback part of their final cuts as they move closer to a 53-man roster.
The Panthers signed Melvin in March, adding the well-traveled cover man shortly after the Jaguars cut him. Jacksonville’s new regime released Melvin after he opted out of the 2020 season, and Carolina represented a chance for the six-year vet to return to action.
Not counting the Jaguars or Panthers, Melvin has been with five teams — the Ravens, Patriots, Colts, Raiders and Lions — but has yet to be on the same team three years running. After playing well with the Colts in 2017, Melvin bounced off the Raiders and Lions’ rosters after one season.
Carolina added A.J. Bouye this offseason and has Donte Jackson returning for his fourth season. Otherwise, this is a young Panthers corner group. Bouye is also set to begin this season late due to a suspension.