The Carolina Panthers have opted to waive defensive tackle Sione Fua. Fua, still just 25, was a third round pick in the 2011 NFL Draft out of Stanford. Fua goes on waivers and if unclaimed, will go to free agency.

After attempting to attack the middle of their defensive line through the middle rounds of the draft, the Panthers bolstered the middle this year when they went with the first two picks of their draft with Star Lotulelei in the first round from Utah and Kawann Short in the second round from Purdue.

Fua had fallen to the third string defensive tackle spot behind Dwan Edwards and Colin Cole, making him expendable. The Panthers, in no small part to the investment they have made up front, have become one of the best and youngest front sevens in the league, so it is possible that Fua was just the least talented of a great bunch and could have a home rather quickly. The Panthers find themselves at 6-3 and prepare to host the New England Patriots as they chase the New Orleans Saints for first place in the NFC South with both games between the two still left to be played.