The Panthers released Layne from the reserve/did not report list Wednesday, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.
Carolina scooped Layne off waivers from the Eagles in December, but the cornerback never reported to Carolina. The 25-year-old appeared in nine games last season between the Giants and Bears, contributing mainly on special teams.
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Bears' Justin Layne: Picked up by Chicago
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The Bears claimed Layne off waivers Tuesday, Field Yates of ESPN reports.
Layne was a 2019 third-round draft pick by Pittsburgh and spent his first three NFL campaigns with the Steelers. He played in all 17 games last season but was used primarily on special teams. The same can be said for his usage in 2022, as he's played in seven games for the Giants but mainly as a special-teams contributor. There's a shot that Layne will be able to rejuvenate his defensive career in Chicago.
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Giants' Justin Layne: Picked up by Giants
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The Giants claimed Layne off waivers Wednesday, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.
Layne was a 2019 third-round draft pick by Pittsburgh and spent his first three NFL campaigns with the Steelers. He played in all 17 games last season but was used primarily on special teams. He'll likely reprise that role with the Giants while working to see more defensive work.
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Steelers' Justin Layne: Forces another turnover
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Layne recorded two tackles (one solo) and an interception in Thursday's 24-16 preseason win over the Eagles.
Layne didn't make much of an impact during offseason work and has had inconsistent performances early in training camp, but he's been effective during the Steelers' first two preseason games. The 2019 third-rounder forced a fumble in last week's Hall of Fame Game and brought in an interception during the third quarter Thursday. Layne is a solid special-teams contributor and is making the case for more defensive work with his strong showings early in the preseason.
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Steelers' Justin Layne: Forces fumble Thursday
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Layne totaled four tackles (three solo) and a forced fumble in the Steelers' 16-3 preseason win over the Cowboys in Thursday's Hall of Fame Game.
Layne had a somewhat slow start to camp and struggled to keep up with the team's wideouts, but he had improved in recent days and made an impact in the preseason opener. The 23-year-old is effective on special teams and will also attempt to carve out defensive snaps prior to Week 1.
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Steelers' Justin Layne: Arrested Friday
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Layne was arrested Friday in Lake County, Ohio, Ray Fittipaldo of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.
Police reportedly found a handgun in the car and charged Layne with a felony. The Steelers issued a statement to News Radio KDKA, saying they're aware of the incident and have no further comments for now.
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Steelers' Justin Layne: Cleared from COVID-19 list
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Layne was activated from the reserve/COVID-19 list Tuesday, Brooke Pryor of ESPN.com reports.
The 2019 third-round pick is hoping to compete for a depth role on defense after spending his rookie season on special teams. Layne is unlikely to start any higher than fourth on the depth chart, behind Joe Haden, Steven Nelson and Mike Hilton.
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Steelers' Justin Layne: Joins COVID-19 list
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Layne was placed on the Steelers' reserve/COVID-19 list Wednesday.
Landing on the list means Layne either tested positive for COVID-19 or has been in close proximity to someone who is infected. The 2019 third-round pick put together an underwhelming rookie campaign but is expected to be a key part of the team's special teams unit.
Layne recorded one tackle (solo) in Sunday's 28-10 loss to the Ravens.
The rookie defensive back finished the 2019 season with three tackles in 10 games. Layne played exclusively on special teams and should have a similar role in 2020 behind Joe Haden and Steven Nelson at cornerback.
