The Carolina Panthers have officially announced the release of cornerback Tyrek Funderburk, who has been waived off injured reserve. This decision comes just days after the team finalized their initial 53-man roster, where Funderburk was placed on the waived-injured list due to an undisclosed injury.
Funderburk, 25, hails from Indian Trail, North Carolina, and has had an impressive collegiate career. He spent the first five years playing for the University of Richmond before utilizing his final year of eligibility at Appalachian State University in 2023. During his time at Appalachian State, he made a significant impact on the field, recording 46 combined tackles, half a sack, four interceptions, and returning two of those interceptions for touchdowns. His outstanding performance earned him a first-team All-Sun Belt selection, highlighting his skills as a standout defensive player.
Entering the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2024, Funderburk signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where he made a notable debut. In his rookie season, he played in 13 games and started in two, accumulating 14 tackles, forcing one fumble, and defending a pass. His initial success in the league showcased his potential as a capable cornerback.
After spending the 2025 season on the Minnesota Vikings' practice squad, Funderburk signed a reserve/future deal with the Panthers in January 2026, hoping to make an impact on his new team. However, his journey with the Panthers has been cut short due to the injury that led to his recent release.
This move is part of the Panthers' ongoing roster adjustments as they prepare for the upcoming season. The team is focused on building a competitive squad, and releasing players who are unable to contribute due to injuries is a necessary step in that process. The Panthers will now look to fill the gap left by Funderburk as they continue to refine their roster ahead of the season.
As the Panthers move forward, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how the team adapts to this change and what it means for their defensive strategy in the coming games.
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