Ryan

Delaire

27-year-old Delaire appeared in two games for the 49ers last year. He would be a camp body in Tennessee.

Delaire was signed off the Redskins’ practice squad last September and recorded two sacks in his debut against the Bucs only to net a half-sack the rest of the way. Coach Ron Rivera hopes Delaire can become a more prominent part of the rotation this season. He should be ready for the start of camp.

A second-year UDFA, Delaire notched 2.5 sacks as a rookie, but spent the offseason recovering from shoulder surgery. His 2017 53-man roster odds won’t be good.

Delaire returned to practice Monday, and he could be activated before this week’s matchup with the Raiders. With Mario Addison sidelined by a foot injury, the Panthers need some help at defensive end. Delaire’s designation means all other Panthers on injured reserve are done for the year.

Delaire lasted only four games after being activated from I.R. in Week 13. He recorded just one sack over six appearances this year. Practice squad DE Larry Webster will take his spot on the active roster.

Coach Ron Rivera said Delaire is the only question mark on the team for the start of training camp. Delaire had two separate stints on I.R. last season, recording one sack in six games. He spent all of last offseason recovering from shoulder surgery. Delaire needs to get healthy to compete for a job.

Delaire is recovering from knee surgery. Ill health has been a recurring them for the 2015 UDFA. He has 3.5 career sacks across 15 games.

With LE Charles Johnson sent to I.R./recall, the Panthers are looking for pass-rush help. Delaire, an UDFA, compiled 22.5 sacks at Towson across 2013-2014.

Delaire (6'4/254) spent two years at Towson after transferring from UMass, compiling 31.5 TFLs, 22.5 sacks, five forced fumbles, and four interceptions en route to first-team All-CAA accolades in both seasons. He ran 4.97 in Indy, but was recovering from a knee scope and improved to 4.76/4.84 at his Pro Day. Delaire demonstrated natural pass-rush ability at a lower-level college and could grow into a productive sub-rusher once he picks up NFL speed.

Delaire was out of the league last year while recovering from a torn ACL. He was close to signing with Philadelphia in December but was unable to pass his physical. The 26-year-old last played for Carolina in 2016, registering six tackles and one sack over 139 defensive snaps.