Saturday afternoon's outing in Orchard Park, N.Y. didn't go too well for the Carolina Panthers, who looked quite helpless throughout much of their 29-14 loss to the Buffalo Bills. But the rather dull preseason showing did produce a bit of light—in the form of second-year wideout Ja'seem Reed. The 23-year-old receiver accounted for the first of two touchdowns on the day for Carolina, as he powered a 6-yard slant into the end zone right before halftime. Reed, through two preseason contests, has now turned six targets into five receptions, 47 yards and two scores. His work throughout the summer has caught the attention of many in and around the organization, including the man whose opinion may matter most by month's end. Here's what president of football operations and general manager Dan Morgan had to say about Reed during the Panthers' broadcast of yesterday's game . . .
Dan Morgan seems to indicate Ja’Seem Reed is either a lock to make the 53 or very close to a lock on the Panthers broadcast: “In terms of the 53, he’s helped himself a lot” — Chris Lea - Sportscaster (@ChrisLeaTV) August 15, 2026 As an undrafted free-agent signee out of the University of San Diego in 2025, Reed flew under the radar during his first year in Carolina. He spent his entire rookie campaign on the practice squad, then re-upped with the organization on a reserve/future deal in January. In addition to Morgan, Reed—who has put in an eye-opening training camp—also received praise from head coach Dave Canales. "He's consistent," Canales said of Reed back in late July. "He knows the concepts, he's a really smart guy—and he's been that way since we got him. A guy we have a lot of trust in. And then, he just keeps making plays." Reed made those plays at San Diego in 2024, where he tallied 77 receptions for 1,052 yards and 12 touchdowns en route to capturing the Pioneer Football League Offensive Player of the Year honors. And if he keeps making those plays in the pros, Reed might defy the odds and land a spot on the team's initial 53-man roster come Aug. 30. With four seats in the wide receiver room likely already taken—by Tetairoa McMillan, Jalen Coker, Xavier Legette and David Moore—that may leave only two or three openings. To take one of those, Reed will have to separate himself from the likes of Brycen Tremayne, Jimmy Horn Jr. and John Metchie III—just to name a few. Fortunately for Reed, he's kept that consistency right by his side. Follow @ThePanthersWire on Twitter/X for more Panthers content. This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: Panthers GM Dan Morgan hints emerging WR may have earned a spot on 53-man roster