There weren’t many shining examples of successful draft selections made by past Carolina Panthers leadership before Dan Morgan took over as general manager. This becomes even more notable when looking deeper down the roster — the area that often defines whether a franchise is a contender or an afterthought.
Some former Panthers picks have managed to revive their careers in different NFL cities. Others have struggled to find their footing — including one lesser-known Day 3 selection who was just recently released days into training camp by a new team.
The Detroit Lions revealed they had released veteran defensive back Stantley Thomas-Oliver III, who entered the league as a seventh-round pick by Carolina in the 2020 NFL Draft. Though he lasted three seasons in Charlotte, he never managed to lock down a steady role. Now, his NFL outlook appears grim.
Thomas-Oliver had brief flashes and contributed on special teams, but not enough to convince Panthers decision-makers to keep him in the long term. After starting 2023 on injured reserve, Carolina opted to move on from him.
The ex-Florida International cornerback found a spot on the Giants’ practice squad before catching on with Detroit. He appeared in one game for the Lions in 2024, and earning a futures deal after the season gave hope that the team saw developmental potential in him.
But Thomas-Oliver failed to capitalize on the opportunity. Landing on the non-football injury list was another setback that likely ended his chances. The NFL is unforgiving, and the young cornerback is now facing the consequences.
In this league, patience wears thin when players don’t deliver. While Thomas-Oliver waits for another call, many believe his options are running out quickly.
There are alternative leagues now, which offer a glimmer of hope. Both the UFL and CFL welcome ex-NFL players looking for another shot. If Thomas-Oliver can stay healthy in one of those, he might resurface in the pros.
Right now, though, it’s hard to say. Until he proves he can stay on the field, his uphill battle is far from over.
