Panthers Release Safety Brian Cole

As first reported by Panthers.com, the Carolina Panthers have released safety Brian Cole. The move precedes the final preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Friday night.

Cole, 24, is a former seventh-round selection by the Minnesota Vikings in the 2020 season. He signed a four-year contract with the Vikings worth $3.37 million.

The Vikings cut Cole at the end of training camp. He then signed on with the Miami Dolphins’ practice squad. Miami brought Cole back this season on a future deal, only to release him early last month. Cole signed with the Panthers on August 5.

Cole, 6-foot-2, 210 pounds, started his college career in 2014 at the University of Michigan as the state’s No. 1 wide receiver prospect. He decided to go the junior college route before resurfacing at Mississippi State University, switching his position to defensive back three years later.

During his collegiate career, Cole registered 78 tackles, three sacks, two interceptions, a forced fumble, two recoveries and two passes defended.

With this roster move, the Panthers are down to 78 players. This is two less than the league-mandated amount at this point of the preseason. The Panthers, as well as the 31 others organizations, will be forced to make some tough decisions soon. The teams must be cut down to 53 men by Tuesday, August 31, at 4 p.m. ET.