The Carolina Panthers have added veteran linebacker Jon Rhattigan to the roster ahead of the 2024 regular season. On Wednesday, the Panthers announced they claimed Rhattigan off of waivers after the Seattle Seahawks waived him on Tuesday.
Rhattigan joined the Seahawks in 2021 as an undrafted free agent from Army. He played in 14 games during his rookie season and notched 10 tackles and one fumble recovery. In 2022, the 25-year-old played in only five games because of an injury. In those five games, Rhattigan notched seven tackles. Last year, Rhattigan played in all 17 games and recorded 17 tackles. He has yet to start a game in his career.
During his time at Army, Rhattigan didn’t make a big impact until his senior year. In that season, the Illinois native tallied 78 tackles, nine tackles for loss and two interceptions. Before Rhattigan joined the Seahawks, NFL analyst Lance Zierlein said being a backup linebacker is his “ceiling.”
“Rhattigan waited a long time for his chance and made the most of it in 2020. Possessing a muscular frame with big hands, he plays with good strength and an attacking brand of football,” Zierlein wrote. “He is quick to diagnose play flow, which helps him play faster than his timed speed. He’s a team-oriented defender willing to plug run fits and play inside the defensive concept.
“He’s always ready to get to work as a tackler operating from a durable, balanced platform as a wrap-up finisher. He has occasional coverage missteps, but is typically aware and looking to make a play when dropping into zone coverage. He’s tough and reliable with special teams value, but backup duty is his ceiling.”
Rhattigan is one of the six players the Panthers claimed off the waiver waiver. The other five that are new to the roster are former Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Keenan Isaac, former New York Jets cornerback Shemar Bartholomew, former Washington Commanders cornerback Tariq Castro-Fields, Rhattigan’s teammate in Seattle linebacker Jamie Sheriff and former 49ers offensive lineman Jarrett Kingston. Rhattigan reunites special teams coordinator Tracy Smith who was the Seahawks special teams coordinator from 2021 to 2023.
