Panthers Cuts: CB Darius Butler out, S Colin Jones acquired

The Carolina Panthers cut CB Darius Butler, a former second-round draft pick of the New England Patriots. The Panthers also released two receivers, improving the odds that WR Armanti Edwards makes the team.

By Shawn Krest

Aug 31, 2012 at 5:18 pm ET • 1 min read

The Carolina Panthers cut CB Darius Butler, a former second-round draft pick of the Patriots, as the team trimmed their roster to 53 players.

The Panthers also made a trade, acquiring S Colin Jones (2nd year, 6th round of 2011 draft, TCU) from San Francisco for a future seventh-round draft pick. Jones is expected to play on special teams.

Notable cuts: CB Darius Butler (4th year, 2nd round of 2009 draft, Connecticut) was the biggest name to hit the waiver wire early. The team also parted ways with WR Seyi Ajirotutu (3rd year, undrafted in 2010 draft, Fresno State), who was believed to be competing with WR Armanti Edwards for a roster spot. WR Jared Green (rookie, undrafted, Southern), son of NFL Hall of Famer Darrell Green, was also cut, further solidifying Edwards’ grasp on a roster spot.

Complete cut list

DE Ryan Van Bergen (rookie, undrafted, Michigan); DT Ogemdi Nwagbuo (4th year, undrafted in 2008 draft, Michigan State); WR Seyi Ajirotutu (3rd year, undrafted in 2010 draft, Fresno State); CB R.J. Stanford (3rd year, 7th round of 2010 draft, Utah); OL Matt Reynolds (rookie, undrafted, Brigham Young); LB David Nixon (4^th year, undrafted in 2009 draft, Brigham Young); CB Darius Butler (4th year, 2nd round of 2009 draft, Connecticut); WR Jared Green (rookie, undrafted, Southern); G Bryant Browning (2nd year, undrafted in 2011, Ohio State); WR Lamont Bryant (rookie, undrafted, Morgan State); DT Nate Chandler (rookie, undrafted, UCLA); TE Joe Jon Finley (2nd year, undrafted in 2008, Oklahoma); S Jonathan Nelson (2nd year, 7th round of 2011 draft, Oklahoma); S Jordan Pugh (3rd year, 6th round of 2010 draft, Texas A&M); TE Nelson Rosario (rookie, undrafted, Morgan State); RB Armond Smith (2nd year, undrafted in 2011, Union); G Justin Wells (2nd year, undrafted in 2011, St. Augustine’s); LB Jason Williams (4th year, 3rd round of 2009 draft, Western Illinois); G Zack Williams (2nd year, 6th round of 2011 draft, Washington State), S Reggie Smith (5th year, 3rd round of 2008 draft, Oklahoma).