Chandler Wooten (born April 25, 1999) is an American professional football linebacker for the Carolina Panthers of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Auburn Tigers and was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Arizona Cardinals in 2022.
Early Life
Chandler Wooten was born on April 25, 1999, in Acworth, Georgia, to Kelvin and Sandra Wooten. He attended North Cobb High School in Kennesaw, Georgia, where he was nominated as an all-region and state player for Georgia and participated in the Under Armour All-America game.
College Career
Rated as the 45th-best college football player in Georgia, Wooten chose to attend Auburn University over the University of Tennessee. During his freshman year (2017), he served in a backup role, recording sporadic tackles. The following year, he was elevated in the depth chart and recorded more tackles. In his junior year, Wooten became the starting linebacker. He sat out the 2020 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic and returned for a fifth season at Auburn under the NCAA's extra year of eligibility. In his final season, he was voted team captain and won the Shug Jordan Award.
Professional Career
Arizona Cardinals
After going undrafted in the 2022 NFL draft, Wooten was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Arizona Cardinals. He did not make the active roster but was signed to the practice squad.
Carolina Panthers (First Stint)
On October 18, 2022, the Carolina Panthers signed Wooten to their active roster from the Cardinals' practice squad. He was waived on August 30, 2023, re-signed to the practice squad, and then signed to the active roster on September 8, 2023. He was placed on injured reserve on November 7, 2023. In 2024, he was waived on August 27, re-signed to the practice squad, promoted to the active roster on October 2, and subsequently released and re-signed to the practice squad multiple times before being released on November 7.
San Francisco 49ers
On December 17, 2024, Wooten was signed to the San Francisco 49ers practice squad.
Carolina Panthers (Second Stint)
On December 24, 2024, Wooten was signed by the Carolina Panthers off the 49ers' practice squad.
NFL Career Statistics
As of the 2024 season, Wooten has recorded 39 total tackles, 1 forced fumble, and 1 fumble recovery.
Personal Life
Wooten has two brothers, Preston and Grant, and a son named Chance. He received the 2019 Hard-Fighting Soldier award at Auburn.
