Carolina finalized its 53-man roster Tuesday, but former Alabama safety Robert Lester didn’t make the cut. He along with defensive back Melvin White and wide receiver Jarrett Boykin all were released. Lester signed with the Panthers in 2013 as an undrafted rookie free agent.
Lester was ball-hawking safety at Alabama from 2009-12. He totaled 141 career tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, 14 interceptions, a forced fumble and two fumble recoveries.
He was a two-time Southeastern Conference champion (2009, 2012) and a three-time national champion (2009, 2011, 2012). Lester has 21 tackles and three interceptions in the NFL.
Stephen M. Smith is a senior analyst and columnist for Touchdown Alabama Magazine and SB Nation. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @ESPN_Future.