Rookie Aaron Hall recognized the opportunity with the Carolina Panthers as the "best of situations."
The situation is developing better than expected for the Carolina Panthers' undrafted free agent.
Following recent neck surgery, veteran defensive tackle Tershawn Wharton will miss the upcoming offseason training activities (OTAs) and will likely begin training camp on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list, The Athletic reported.
Wharton, who signed a three-year, $45 million deal last summer, appeared in nine games during an injury-marred 2025. A former Super Bowl champion with the Kansas City Chiefs, Wharton posted 36 tackles and two sacks and was expected to play a bigger role in '26.
Now, his snaps are up for grabs.
Panthers UDFA rookie Aaron Hall gets improved NFL chance
After spending five seasons at Duke, Hall will attempt to utilize his versatility to gain early attention.
The Panthers' scouting department, spearheaded by general manager Dan Morgan, is developing a reputation for targeting and developing raw talent. Third-year wide receiver Jalen Coker and second-year defensive back Corey Thornton both earned significant snaps when healthy last season.
A Durham, North Carolina, native and lifelong fan of the franchise, Hall recognized the opportunity he has with the Panthers. He participated in the two-day rookie minicamp last Friday and Saturday.
"I think it was the best of situations, right?" Hall told The News & Observer. "Like you come here, you have a chance to compete and ultimately end up on the 53-man roster, which is something everybody aspires to do, no matter where you get drafted, first round or (undrafted) or rookie minicamp (invite), you're all aspiring to do that.
"So, it was one of the better situations, and just, I mean, you've got the perks of being close to home."
UDFA Parker Petersen (Wisconsin) is also listed on the 91-man roster and remains slated to participate in the opening of OTAs May 26, 27 and 29.