Panthers Add Kicker While Pineiro Deals with Injury

Tuesday afternoon, the Carolina Panthers signed kicker Matthew Wright as Eddy Pineiro is nursing a groin injury. To make room for Wright on the roster, the Panthers waived undrafted free agent offensive lineman BJ Wilson.

Two years ago, the Panthers had a revolving door at kicker until they finally settled on Zane Gonzalez, who turned out to be a terrific find. Unfortunately, Gonzalez went down with a quad injury in warms-ups in a road game at Buffalo and would be forced to sit out the remainder of the season. 

Gonzalez came back to training camp healthy in 2022 ready to regain control of his job, but had another setback suffering a groin injury that cost him the entire season and ultimately his future with the team. 

Eddy Pineiro came in and did a wonderful job making 33/35 field goals, including 19 straight to end the season. Hopefully for Pineiro's sake this doesn't turn out to be a similar story to Gonzalez. But if he is forced to miss time, Carolina has to feel pretty good about his replacement, Wright, who has nailed 40-of-46 kicks in his career. He has spent time in his career with the Steelers, Jaguars, and Chiefs.