Ricci was waived by Carolina on Saturday, David Newton of ESPN.com reports.
The undrafted free agent out of Western Michigan was vying for a reserve tight-end role, but the Panthers opted to keep just two tight ends -- Ian Thomas (toe) and Chris Manhertz. Ricci proved to have pass-catching upside in college, hauling in 51 passes for 642 yards and eight touchdowns in his senior season, so the Panthers may look to develop him on the practice squad.