This experiment had the plugged pulled quickly didn't it? Tonight it was reported that the Carolina Panthers have shockingly cut DT Kentwan Balmer just one week after claiming him off waivers from the Seattle Seahawks.

Steve Reed
Breaking News: The Panthers have released DT Kentwan Balmer without even having him play a game. Interesting.

Ron Rivera went as far as to talk up Balmer, saying that the Panthers believed he played out of position as fans hoped he would become the answer to a dangerously under-prepared defensive line, devoid of a true 3-technique DT.

My immediate reaction is to think something is up. Either the Carolina Panthers have a trade or signing lined up and needed a roster spot, or Balmer who is known to be somewhat mercurial has simple continued this trend. Either way, it's extremely unusual to have a player released at this time, especially before a game we thought he would be featured heavily in. Immediately fans are freaking out as if Balmer was the second coming (as we tend to do when a player is a local prospect) but I think this whole situation will play itself out soon and we'll get a better understanding of this unusual release.