Newly signed Carolina Panthers safety fails physical, goes back on waivers

The Panthers will continue to look for help in the secondary after parting ways with waiver claim Caden Sterns.

DENVER, COLORADO - SEPTEMBER 10: Caden Sterns #30 of the Denver Broncos is carted toward the locker room after an injury during the second quarter against the Las Vegas Raiders at Empower Field At Mile High on September 10, 2023 in Denver, Colorado. / .(Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)

The Carolina Panthers claimed former Denver Broncos safety Caden Sterns off of waivers on Tuesday, but he won't be sticking around. Thursday morning, Mike Kaye of the Charlotte Observer reported that Sterns is being waived after failing a physical.

Sterns only appeared in one game last season for the Broncos thanks to a torn patellar tendon. In 2022, he was bothered by a hip injury that eventually required surgery. It is unclear at the moment what caused the failed physical, but the Panthers may have found something that gave them pause for concern given his recent injury history. He had a promising start to his career, logging 28 tackles, five passes defended, two tackles for loss, two QB hits, two sacks, and two interceptions as a rookie.

The Panthers will continue to be aggressive on the waiver wire since they are first in the pecking order and have serious needs to address in the secondary and along the defensive line. For tonight's preseason opener against the New England Patriots, the Panthers will have the following safeties with them on the road trip: Jordan Fuller, Xavier Woods, Alex Cook, Clayton Isbell, Nick Scott, and Demani Richardson. Head coach Dave Canales did not reveal to the media who will play in the game or how much, but veterans Xavier Woods and Jordan Fuller will likely see minimal action.

MORE STORIES FROM PANTHERS ON SI

Right Now, Mingo Looks Like WR3 for Carolina

Madden 25 Ratings for Every Player on the Panthers' Roster

Which Panthers Rookie Will Have the Most Successful Season?