Robert McClain Released by Panthers: Latest Details, Comments and Reaction

In the midst of a trying 2016 season, the Carolina Panthers announced they have released former starting cornerback Robert McClain on Friday. 

Joe Person of the Charlotte Observer was the first to report the news.

In reference to his departure, McClain posted the following tweet:

"

Gods going to bless me with another opportunity. Never going to quit or back down towards adversity. This I just another obstacle.

— Robert McClain (@bobbymac36) December 9, 2016"

The 28-year-old veteran appeared in 11 games and started six of them for Carolina this season, registering 34 tackles, one pass defended and no interceptions.

Carolina selected him in the seventh round of the 2010 NFL draft out of UConn, and after spending one year with the Panthers, he was released.

McClain then played for the Atlanta Falcons from 2012 through 2014 before returning to the Panthers late in the 2015 campaign.

The Panthers have experienced several shake-ups in their secondary since last season. In addition to allowing Pro Bowler Josh Norman to sign with the Washington Redskins, another former starter, Bene Benwikere, was released in October.

McClain had primarily been playing in nickel and dime packages behind rookies James Bradberry and Daryl Worley for a Panthers defense that ranks 30th against the pass this season.

Since Carolina is currently 4-8 and unlikely to make the playoffs, releasing McClain gives it an opportunity to give younger players more playing time.

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