Report: Panthers releasing veteran CB ahead of Week 7 game vs. Commanders

The Carolina Panthers defense is continuing to go through changes.

According to NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport, the team plans to release cornerback Troy Hill. The report comes just two days before kickoff of the Panthers’ Week 7 matchup against the Washington Commanders.

Hill is currently in his 10th NFL campaign. He’s spent two of those in Carolina—where he’s amassed 80 combined tackles, an interception, six passes defensed and a forced fumble over 22 games.

The 33-year-old has been the defense’s primary nickel defender during the 2024 season. Hill has recorded 202 snaps from the slot position over six outings.

His impending departure could allow more playing time for rookie Chau Smith-Wade, the only other Panthers cornerback to line up at nickel this year. Smith-Wade was selected in the fifth round of the 2024 draft.