Brad Kaaya claimed by Carolina Panthers

The Detroit Lions waived third-string quarterback Brad Kaaya on Saturday. According to Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press, the team was expecting to bring him back on the practice squad if he cleared waivers.

However, they won’t have the chance to do so, because—as first reported by Albert Breer—the Carolina Panthers have claimed him off waivers:

The move leaves the Lions without a third-string backup quarterback on the roster. Unlike last year, when Jake Rudock cleared waivers and was placed on the practice squad, Kaaya is now on the Panthers’ 53-man roster.

Kaaya was okay in limited play during the preseason. In four games, he completed a total of 24 of 40 passes for 291 yards, three touchdowns and one interception. He now joins a Panthers roster that has Cam Newton and Derek Anderson at quarterback. Kaaya will provide them with a developmental project.

The Lions now face an interesting dilemma. Should they try to find a new project to place on their practice squad? Should they add a veteran to their 53-man roster? Or should they simply just roll with two quarterbacks on the roster?

In addition to Kaaya, tight end Khari Lee was claimed by the Buffalo Bills. All other players waived by the Lions cleared waivers.