J.J.

Weaver

Perkins was signed following Andy Dalton’s elbow injury, so we take Perkins’ release as a positive regarding Dalton’s recovery. The Panthers also waived CB Mello Dotson, CB JaTravis Broughton, S Isaac Gifford, OG Luke Kandra, OG Steven Loyosa, WR TJ Luther, RB Kay’Ron Lynch-Adams, OLB J.J. Weaver and ILB Jacoby Windmon.

Weaver also had offers from schools like Miami, Cincinnati, Purdue and Louisville. The 6-foot-6, 240-pound defensive end ranks as the 24th best strong-side defensive end in the 247 Sports composite ranking, and the Louisville native ranks eighth among prospects in the state of Kentucky. It’s the second four-star prospect to join the Wildcats, and Weaver helps Kentucky’s class improve to 30th in the eyes of 247 Sports.