We’re 50 days away from the Carolina Panthers 2021 season opener, so that means today’s countdown piece is devoted to No. 50 on the roster — linebacker Julian Stanford.
Stanford attended Wagner College, where he lettered all four years and was named First Team All-NEC his senior year. After not hearing his name called during the 2012 NFL Draft, he signed as an undrafted free agent with the Jacksonville Jaguars. The journeyman linebacker has since spent time with the Detroit Lions, New York Jets, and Buffalo Bills before signing with the Panthers last season. On the field, he has mainly been a depth linebacker and special teams player, never notching more than six starts in a single season (his rookie year in Jacksonville).
Last season with the Panthers, Stanford saw heavy usage on special teams and managed a team-high seven tackles with that unit. He also added three tackles in limited defensive opportunities. The team clearly saw enough out of him to sign him to another one year deal for this season. I would expect a similar role for Stanford moving forward, assuming he makes the team.