Former Alabama specialist waived by Carolina Panthers
Former Alabama long-snapper Thomas Fletcher is looking for a new NFL opportunity. He’s a free agent after being let go by the Carolina Panthers.
When Fletcher was drafted late in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL Draft by the Carolina Panthers, it came as a shock to him. Not many long snappers get drafted, especially to teams where the position has an established starter.
Still, the move made for some fun media on what is usually the more boring day of the draft.
.@longsnapfletch assumed he was getting a phone call about becoming an undrafted free agent.
Instead, he got the call of his life 📞 pic.twitter.com/V1bbyYglo3
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) May 1, 2021
Fletcher’s NFL future will have to continue somewhere else as the Panthers waived the long snapper, sticking with 36-year-old veteran J.J. Jansen.
Panthers waive second-year long snapper Thomas Fletcher. J.J. Jansen holds on to his job at 36.
— Joe Person (@josephperson) August 4, 2022
That being said, Panthers head coach Matt Rhule did give Fletcher rave reviews and a strong endorsement.
Matt Rhule thinks Thomas Fletcher will play a long time in this league. By cutting him when he did, gives him a chance to potentially catch on somewhere.
That said, Rhule said JJ Jansen gives Panthers the best chance to win.— Joe Person (@josephperson) August 5, 2022
Here’s hoping another NFL team gives Fletcher a chance because he’s clearly ready to help someone win. He has cleared waivers and entered free agency.
Thomas Fletcher cleared waivers and is now a free agent
— Alabama Pro Updates (@BamaProUpdates) August 5, 2022
