Trevin Wallace embracing the linebacker competition as a way to better himself

“We’ve needed both of them over the last few years with different injuries that have happened to both guys; both guys have had to step in there,” Canales said of Wallace and Cherelus’ response to the competition.

“They enter this with a lot of mutual respect. I can honestly say those guys really enjoy being around each other, challenging each other. So in that regard, and with any other guys, we tell them, you’re not competing against each other; you’re competing to become your best, and then all the other decisions take care of themselves, and I see those guys approaching it that way.”

As the coach mentioned, both have started for the Panthers in recent years. Cherelus, who first joined as an undrafted free agent in 2023, has appeared in 33 games with six starts, including four starts last season alone. Wallace, who was drafted in the third round of the 2024 draft, has played in 25 games the last two seasons, with 20 starts.