The Panthers used their top waiver priority Tuesday on a former Broncos draft pick. According to ESPN’s David Newton, the Panthers claimed defensive back Caden Sterns from the Broncos. To make room on the roster, the team has waived/injured guard J.D. DiRenzo.
Sterns was a fifth-round pick out of Texas in 2021. He quickly carved out a role in Denver, compiling 28 tackles, two sacks, and two interceptions in 15 games (two starts) as a rookie. He was set to take on a larger role as a sophomore, and he started the 2022 campaign as the replacement for an injured Justin Simmons. Sterns got into five games before suffering a hip injury that ultimately required season-ending surgery.
The defensive back returned in time for the start of the 2023 campaign. However, he suffered a torn patellar tendon in Week 1, ending his season early. Sterns started this year’s training camp on the active/PUP list, but missed only a handful of practices before being activated. The Broncos had a few weeks to evaluate the 24-year-old before ultimately moving on Monday.
The Panthers have been especially active in seeking depth in their secondary. Sterns will likely be penciled in as a safety, but he did get some looks at nickelback as a rookie. Sterns will be taking the roster spot previously held by DiRenzo, a former UDFA who got into three games as a rookie in 2023.
The Panthers made another move today, releasing wideout Cam Sims from the reserve-PUP list with an injury settlement, per Aaron Wilson of KPRC2. The receiver caught on with Carolina’s practice squad late in the 2023 campaign and stuck around during the offseason via a reserve/futures contract. The former UDFA spent five seasons in Washington to begin his career, hauling in 57 catches for 804 yards and three touchdowns.