The Panthers just locked up another piece, bringing in free agent tight end Caden Prieskorn. This move came swiftly after the team agreed to terms with outside linebacker Cam Gill earlier Thursday, effectively filling the open roster spot that had been on the books. It is not just about filling a spot, though, because Prieskorn’s story is a serious grind.
At 26 years old, Caden Prieskorn is not a rookie looking for his first shot. His pro football life has been a relentless journey, a real test for any player trying to stick in the league. Think about it: in 2025 alone, he was bouncing from the Detroit Lions’ training camp straight to the Denver Broncos’ training camp. That is two different playbooks, two different coaching staffs he had to impress, all within the span of a single preseason just to get a sniff at a roster spot. The grind did not stop there, either. He managed to snag a brief spot on the practice squad for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, showing he was always on the radar, always close. Then, another move, another locker room, this time landing on the practice squad of the Cleveland Browns. Cleveland even took a bigger shot, signing him to a futures contract. That is a vote of confidence, a clear signal that the Browns saw some potential for the upcoming season. But even that fell through; the Browns ultimately cut him loose on May 19. Talk about a tough break, getting cut before you even get a chance to show what you can do in a full training camp.
But here is the real kicker, the reason the Panthers are taking a flyer on a player who has navigated so many different locker rooms and brief stints. Go back to his college days, where he split his time between Ole Miss and Memphis. This guy was not just some average player rolling through the system. Prieskorn was the Offensive MVP of the 2023 Peach Bowl. Yeah, you read that right. On one of college football’s biggest stages, against top-tier competition, he absolutely put on a show. He reeled in 10 passes for a whopping 136 yards and punched in two touchdowns in that game. Ten catches in a bowl game is a dominant performance for any tight end, let alone one playing in such a high-stakes contest. It showcased his hands, his route-running ability, and a genuine knack for finding the end zone when it mattered most. That kind of production, even from college, does not just disappear.
So, what are we looking at for the Panthers, bringing in Prieskorn here in late July? On the surface, they simply filled an open roster spot and added some depth at the tight end position. But you do not sign a guy with a Peach Bowl MVP on his resume for nothing. He clearly possesses some serious potential, despite all the ups and downs he has faced on his journey through the league. Is he a camp body, simply there to push other players? Or is this a smart, low-risk, high-reward move for a team looking for a hidden gem, someone who just needs the right opportunity to shine? It is going to be incredibly intriguing to watch how Caden Prieskorn fits into the Panthers’ plans. You have to root for a player who has battled this hard to earn his way back, right?
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pro Football Talk.
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