It took two days before the Michigan Panthers got going during the USFL’s Free Agency but on October 3rd, the team brought back two familiar faces. The Panthers announced that WR Marcus Simms and Defensive Lineman T.J. Carter from the 2022 Squad would be returning for the Panthers 2024 season.
Simms was a late season signing for Michigan in 2022. In 2023 his role expanded with the Panthers recording 4 receptions for 28 yards in 7 games, while also earning Week 10 Special Teams player of the week honors as well. Simms also was key piece in the Panthers playoff game vs the Maulers recording 3 receptions for 87 Yards and a touchdown, while adding 105 yards on kick returns. Simms played his college ball collegiately at West Virginia before becoming a UDFA for the Jaguars in 2019.
The Panthers also brought back T.J. Carter after the Kentucky alum was released by the LA Rams this past training camp. Carter was drafted by Michigan in the 2022 USFL Draft recording 24 tackles and 2.5 sacks for the Panthers during the inaugural season of the USFL. After a quick stint with the Saints, Carter joined the Rams and spent the entire 2022 NFL season on the practice squad. The Rams would elevate Carter for two games in 2022, accounting for 10 snaps. Per Spotrac Carter earned $412,169 with the Rams in 2022.
Per Fox Sports the Panthers roster now sits at 45 players going into week 2 of free agency during the offseason. So far Michigan has seen WR Joe Walker, DE Ethan Westbrooks, and OT Brodarius Hamm, all sign with different USFL teams. Last under Mike Nolan the Panthers went 4-6 enroute to a playoff appearance in the USFL’s 2nd season since their return in 2022.
