Roberto Aguayo has found his next shot at redemption, as the former second-round kicker joined the Carolina Panthers' practice squad Wednesday.
Aguayo was cut in training camp by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after they traded up to draft him in 2016. He then failed to make the Chicago Bears' roster following a waiver claim.
Head coach Ron Rivera was impressed by how Aguayo's handled the pressure of being a high pick after his first practice Wednesday.
"He kicked the ball very well - made all his kicks - and kicked off very well. He fit the bill," head coach Ron Rivera said, according to Bryan Strickland from the team's official site. "With the situation (starting kicker) Graham (Gano) had last week, we just feel we have to have a security blanket, and he was the best one we brought in.
"We had a conversation, talked about what happened (after being drafted high). It was interesting. He talked about some of the things he did and some of the things he felt, that he did feel the pressure of having been a second-round pick. It was interesting to hear him be very honest and upfront about it. I thought that was a good sign."
Aguayo appears to appreciate being out of the spotlight with the practice squad placement.
"You go back to basics. It's humbling. It definitely is," said Aguayo. "It felt good to regroup, and then with the opportunity I had here I did well, and they chose me. It's great to be here."