Carolina Panthers Add Former Gamecock Israel Mukuamu to Practice Squad
The Carolina Panthers have made a familiar addition to their roster, signing former South Carolina standout Israel Mukuamu to the practice squad. The move gives the Panthers added depth in their secondary and brings a versatile defensive back back to his home state.
Mukuamu, who played his college football at South Carolina before transferring to LSU for his final season, has long been known for his unique size and skill set. At 6-foot-4, he brings rare length to the defensive backfield, allowing him to match up with taller receivers and disrupt passing lanes. During his time with the Gamecocks, he established himself as a ballhawk, recording seven interceptions and 10 pass breakups across three seasons in Columbia.
NFL Journey So Far
Mukuamu entered the NFL as a sixth-round draft pick by the Dallas Cowboys in 2021. While with Dallas, he spent the majority of his time as a rotational safety and special teams contributor. His versatility allowed him to shift between safety and cornerback, a trait that NFL coaches value highly. He played in 33 games for the Cowboys, notching 24 total tackles, one interception, and two passes defended.
After being waived at the end of training camp this season, Mukuamu became a free agent, and the Panthers quickly swooped in to give him another shot. His addition to the practice squad signals that the Panthers are looking for insurance in a secondary that has been hit with injuries in recent weeks.
Back Home in Carolina
For Mukuamu, this signing is more than just another opportunity — it’s a return home. The Moncks Corner, South Carolina, native now has the chance to suit up for a franchise that many Gamecock fans follow closely. The move is already generating buzz among South Carolina supporters, who remember his standout performances in garnet and black, particularly his three-interception game against Georgia in 2019, which cemented his reputation as one of the SEC’s rising defensive stars at the time.
What It Means for the Panthers
While Mukuamu will start on the practice squad, there’s a strong chance he could be elevated to the active roster if injuries persist or if he impresses in practice. His length and versatility make him a valuable chess piece in defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero’s scheme, especially as the Panthers continue searching for stability in their defensive backfield.
Head coach Dave Canales praised the team’s recent roster moves, noting that “building depth in the secondary is critical in today’s NFL. A guy like Israel gives us flexibility — he’s played both corner and safety, and that’s the kind of versatility we want on this defense.”
A Second Chance to Shine
For Israel Mukuamu, this signing represents a second chance to carve out a meaningful role in the NFL — and to do it back in his home state makes it even more special. As the Panthers look to stabilize a challenging start to the season, Mukuamu could emerge as a key contributor if he gets called up.
