Carolina Panthers waive Canadian DL Luiji Vilain

The Carolina Panthers have waived Canadian edge rusher Luiji Vilain, according to Tom Pelissero.

The six-foot-four, 252-pound edge rusher joined the team in October 2023 when he was claimed off waivers from the Minnesota Vikings. He dressed for one game with the Panthers but didn’t record any statistics.

The Ottawa, Ont. native originally signed with the Vikings after going unselected in the 2022 NFL Draft. He dressed for three regular season games last year, recording four tackles. He spent most of his rookie season on Minnesota’s practice roster.

The 26-year-old originally attended the University of Michigan but transferred to Wake Forest in 2021 and recorded 34 total tackles, nine tackles for loss, eight sacks, two forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery.

Vilain was selected by the Toronto Argonauts in the third round of the 2021 CFL Draft. He elected not to enter the professional ranks that year as he transferred to the Demon Deacons, however the Argos still hold his exclusive CFL rights.

NFL teams were required to make their final cuts on Tuesday, Aug. 27 ahead of the regular season.