Like with several teams in the USFL December 8th came and went with Steve Kazor adding three more players to his roster for 2024. The former Rams Scout brought in several fringe NFL players last week with one of them joining the New York Jets on December 12th.
The Panthers said a quick farewell to Obinna Eze from TCU/Memphis. Eze worked out with the Jets and was signed quickly after his visit to NY. Eze was a UDFA in 2022 spending time with the Lions and Steelers as a member of their practice squad. Eze will now join the Jets on their practice squad.
Two Panthers that look to be sticking around for now are Nathe McCrary and Kenny Willekes. McCrary comes from Saginaw Valley State University a division II school in Michigan. McCrary earned numerous collegiate honors and has spent the past Three NFL seasons bouncing around Five NFL teams before being released by the Cleveland Browns early in October. In 2021 he made his NFL debut with the Ravens for his lone appearance in an NFL game.
Kenny Willekes was the second signing the Panthers made in the PM of December 8th. The Michigan State Alum was a Seventh Round Pick in 2020 by the Minnesota Vikings earning playing time in 2021 appearing in Six games recording 18 tackles and 2.5 sacks in his NFL career. Willekes was released in 2023 and now joins the Michigan Panthers for his first stint in Spring Football.
The addition of McCrary and Willekes solidifies the depth of Panthers at the Running Back and Defensive Line position. With Two NFL caliber players now on the Michigan roster the Panthers are in the right position to push for a playoff spot in the new merged league. For more information on the merger check out the video below.
