Leota was waived by the Panthers on Tuesday, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.
Leota's exit may come as a bit of a surprise after he played 44 and 35 percent of the team's defensive snaps in the first two weeks of the season. Over that time the Auburn product recorded four tackles and 1.0 sacks. He'll now have to work to find a new opportunity, or he could ultimately end up on Carolina's practice squad.
... See More... See Less
Panthers' Eku Leota: Brings spark Thursday
Rotowire
Leota finished Thursday's 17-3 preseason loss to the Patriots with three total tackles, including two tackles for loss, and one quarterback hit.
The Panthers have been looking for a serviceable edge defender to line up opposite Jadeveon Clowney, and with D.J. Wonnum (quadriceps) and Amare Barno (knee) both dealing with injuries, Leota made the most of his opportunities Thursday. The Auburn product played 31 total snaps (20 defensive and 11 on special teams), and head coach Dave Canales raved about his performance after the game, saying "the effort was there" and his "style of play was fantastic." Leota will likely continue battling with DJ Johnson for a depth role in the Panthers' outside linebacker corps as the preseason progresses.
