Carolina Panthers waive Texas A\&M WR Moose Muhammad III, son of franchise legend Muhsin Muhammad, signaling a surprising roster decision.

In a move that has sent ripples through the NFL community and ignited intense discussion among Carolina Panthers fans, the franchise has waived wide receiver Moose Muhammad III—former Texas A&M standout and son of Panthers legend Muhsin Muhammad. The decision, made ahead of offseason roster trimming, has surprised many who believed the younger Muhammad was poised to carve out his own niche in Carolina.

For a franchise steeped in tradition and in the midst of a rebuilding phase, parting ways with the son of one of the most beloved players in team history marks more than just a football transaction—it’s a symbolic shift. While Moose Muhammad III may not have yet reached the lofty standards set by his father, his release carries weight well beyond the practice field.

The Legacy: A Name That Resonates

To understand the significance of this move, it’s important to grasp the legacy Moose Muhammad III inherited. His father, Muhsin Muhammad, was one of the most productive and respected receivers in Panthers history. Known for his toughness, crisp route running, and strong hands, the elder Muhammad played 11 seasons in Carolina, amassing over 9,000 receiving yards and 50 touchdowns. He was a two-time Pro Bowler and a pillar of the Panthers’ 2003 Super Bowl team.

When Moose III declared for the 2024 NFL Draft out of Texas A&M, the buzz around his name was impossible to ignore. While he entered the league with expectations shaped more by bloodline than production, the younger Muhammad had forged a respectable college career in his own right.

College Production and Draft Journey

At Texas A&M, Moose Muhammad III was known for his reliable hands, precise route-running, and ability to make contested catches. Across his final two seasons in College Station, he tallied 1,174 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns despite inconsistent quarterback play and coaching changes.

Though not a Day 1 draft pick, Muhammad drew interest from several teams who saw potential in his technique and football IQ. The Panthers signed him as an undrafted free agent, an emotional moment for fans who had watched his father dominate Bank of America Stadium for over a decade.

The initial belief was that the younger Muhammad would compete for a depth role while contributing on special teams and learning from veteran receivers in the room. But the business side of the NFL proved unforgiving.

Why the Panthers Made the Move

Carolina’s decision to waive Muhammad III is rooted in a combination of roster construction, positional depth, and developmental priorities. The Panthers are entering a pivotal year under new head coach Dave Canales, who is focused on reshaping the offense around second-year quarterback Bryce Young.

With veterans like Adam Thielen, Diontae Johnson (acquired from Pittsburgh), and promising young targets like Jonathan Mingo already on the depth chart, the path to snaps for Muhammad III was narrow. Reports from rookie minicamp and OTAs suggest that while Muhammad showed flashes, he didn’t separate himself from the competition enough to justify a spot in a crowded receiver room.

From a purely football perspective, it’s not unusual for undrafted rookies to be cut before training camp. But when that player carries the name Muhammad and wears the same jersey number as his father once did, the decision resonates more deeply.

Fan Reaction: Mixed Emotions

The reaction from fans has ranged from disappointment to understanding. Many took to social media to express support for Muhammad III and to reflect on the emotional connection to his father’s career.

“Sad to see him go. Was really hoping Moose Jr. would shine here like his dad,” one fan tweeted.

Others were more pragmatic: “NFL is a business. Name alone doesn’t earn a roster spot. Hope he lands somewhere he can develop.”

This divide reflects the dual lens through which fans view the NFL: one part nostalgia, one part performance. While sentimentality matters, especially in a franchise with a passionate fan base, it rarely dictates roster moves.

A Family Affair: Muhsin Muhammad’s Legacy Lives On

Despite the release, the Muhammad family’s place in Panthers lore is secure. Muhsin Muhammad remains an ambassador for the sport and a respected figure within the Carolina community. His post-football work in business and philanthropy has further cemented his reputation.

Sources close to the family suggest there’s no ill will between the organization and the Muhammad camp. Moose III understood the challenge ahead and embraced the opportunity, even if it ended sooner than hoped. For his part, Muhsin Muhammad has not publicly commented on his son’s release but has always emphasized perseverance and professionalism as keys to success.

What’s Next for Moose Muhammad III?

Though waived, Moose Muhammad III’s journey is far from over. His college tape, football lineage, and strong work ethic make him a viable candidate for a practice squad role elsewhere. Teams with thinner receiver depth charts or in need of special teams contributors could take a chance on him.

Franchises like the New England Patriots, Indianapolis Colts, and Tennessee Titans are reportedly still evaluating young receiver talent. Muhammad’s route-running and reliable hands could make him an asset in a system that emphasizes technical precision over raw athleticism.

Additionally, Muhammad may benefit from a fresh start with a franchise where his last name isn’t shadowed by expectations. As much as Carolina was a sentimental landing spot, it may also have been the most pressure-packed.

The Bigger Picture: The Business of Football

Muhammad III’s release underscores a broader reality in today’s NFL: name recognition and legacy can get a foot in the door, but only production and potential can keep it there. Teams are increasingly analytical in their evaluations, emphasizing traits that translate to scheme fit, game speed, and versatility.

This is especially true in the modern wide receiver market, where players are expected to contribute not only as pass-catchers but also on special teams and in various offensive roles (e.g., motion, slot, screen packages). For younger players on the bubble, doing “just enough” isn’t enough. They need to excel, and they need to do it consistently in front of the right eyes.

Panthers’ WR Room: Where Things Stand Now

With Muhammad III gone, the Panthers’ wide receiver room continues to evolve. Veterans like Thielen and Johnson bring leadership and experience, while Mingo and other young receivers provide developmental upside. The addition of draft picks and other undrafted free agents ensures continued competition throughout camp.

New offensive coordinator Brad Idzik is expected to implement a balanced, West Coast-style system that emphasizes timing routes and yards after catch—putting a premium on sharp route-running and field awareness. That vision may not have aligned perfectly with Muhammad’s current strengths, which lean more toward possession-style play.

Final Thoughts: End of One Chapter, Start of Another

The Carolina Panthers’ decision to waive Moose Muhammad III may have ended one chapter of a sentimental story, but it doesn’t close the book entirely. The younger Muhammad still has the tools and the pedigree to succeed in professional football. Whether that’s in the NFL, the CFL, or elsewhere remains to be seen.

For now, his departure serves as a poignant reminder that the NFL is, at its core, a meritocracy—even for those with iconic surnames. The release doesn’t diminish the Muhammad family’s connection to Carolina, nor does it erase the hope that Moose III might one day return to the league stronger, sharper, and more prepared for the opportunity.

Until then, Panthers fans will continue to cheer for the name Muhammad—both for what it meant and what it might still mean in football’s future.