There are a few battles to keep an eye on for Carolina this summer, so below is my current prediction for the roster when it’s cut to 53 players.
Quarterback (2)
Bryce Young, Kenny Pickett
The Panthers have talked up Kenny Pickett after signing him as the backup to Bryce Young, and they should have one of the league’s top No. 2 passers if the starter ever misses time. Will Grier and undrafted rookie Haynes King round out the quarterback room for the summer, and they’ll try to impress enough to make the squad.
Running back (4)
Chuba Hubbard, Jonathon Brooks, Trevor Etienne, AJ Dillon
It seems Jonathon Brooks is finally healthy for Carolina, so the former second-round pick should have a sizable role alongside Chuba Hubbard, while Trevor Etienne will also be pushing for increased work in his second season. The bruising element that AJ Dillon provides could be enough for him to crack the roster—especially with Rico Dowdle gone.
Wide receiver (6)
Tetairoa McMillan, Jalen Coker, Xavier Legette, Chris Brazzell II (R), John Metchie III, Jimmy Horn Jr.
The top four are all roster locks with third-round pick Chris Brazzell II being an outstanding value as a dangerous vertical threat, and he could push Xavier Legette for a starting job if the former first-rounder struggles. Things will be very competitive beyond that, as David Moore and Brycen Tremayne have each contributed in Dave Canales’ offense—but John Metchie III has a history with Bryce Young having played together at Alabama, and Jimmy Horn Jr. flashed as a rookie.
Tight end (3)
Ja’Tavion Sanders, Tommy Tremble, Mitchell Evans
The Panthers have their trio established at tight end with Ja’Tavion Sanders, Tommy Tremble, and Mitchell Evans, which might make it unlikely that they keep a fourth option. If they do, Feleipe Franks and James Mitchell will be the primary contenders, and Carolina added Heinrich Haarberg as an undrafted free agent.
Offensive tackle (4)
Rasheed Walker, Taylor Moton, Monroe Freeling (R), Stone Forsythe
Ikem Okwonu (knee) could miss the entire season, and it feels like his time with the Panthers might be over based on how the team operated this offseason. We were very high on Monroe Freeling in the 2026 NFL Draft, but I think the underrated Rasheed Walker will be the Week 1 starter as the first-round rookie develops. Stone Forsythe was also added in free agency, and he played for Dave Canales in Seattle.
Guard (3)
Damien Lewis, Robert Hunt, Chandler Zavala
Carolina was one of the first teams to place heavy value on their guards in recent years, so Damien Lewis and Robert Hunt are locked in as a top tandem on the interior. Behind them, Chandler Zavala has made 14 starts over the past three years, but it wouldn’t be a complete shock if Saahdiq Charles beat him out—and Charles could make it anyway if the team decides to keep four guards.
Center (2)
Luke Fortner, Sam Hecht (R)
There will be a battle for the starting job at center with Luke Fortner signing a modest one-year deal and Sam Hecht being drafted in the fifth round, but both guys are safe. Fortner also has experience at guard, so there might be a path for Nick Samac to make it depending on how things shake out this summer.
Interior defensive line (5)
Derrick Brown, Bobby Brown III, Lee Hunter (R), Cam Jackson, LeBryan Ray
Tershawn Wharton (neck) is expected to play at some point in 2026, but the organization has been searching for answers next to Derrick Brown inside—so Lee Hunter was selected in Round 2 to join Brown and Bobby Brown III. Carolina will also be looking for more out of Cam Jackson in his second season, so I’d anticipate him and LeBryan Ray holding off Jared Harrison-Hunte and others.
Edge defender (6)
Jaelan Phillips, Nic Scourton, Princely Umanmielen, Patrick Jones II, Nick Hampton, Trevis Gipson
The Panthers might not keep six edge defenders after giving a monster deal to Jaelan Phillips this offseason, but the group is still unsettled behind him and 2025 second-round pick Nic Scourton. I would think Princely Umanmielen is safe as last year’s third-round selection, and Patrick Jones II started all four games last year before season-ending back surgery. If the team opts to keep five here, Nick Hampton—who was signed from the Rams and provides more value on special teams—would likely have the edge over Trevis Gipson.
Linebacker (5)
Devin Lloyd, Trevin Wallace, Claudin Cherelus, Bam Martin-Scott, Kuwatch Jackson (R)
Devin Lloyd was the other headlining defensive signing for the Panthers in the offseason, and they’re counting on him to provide the playmaking that he showed in a contract year with the Jaguars. There are also high expectations for Trevin Wallace with two seasons of experience under his belt, and Claudin Cherelus would be the next man up at linebacker. Look for Bam Martin-Scott and seventh-rounder Kuwatch Jackson to primarily contribute on special teams.
Cornerback (6)
Jaycee Horn, Mike Jackson, Chau Smith-Wade, Will Lee III (R), Akayleb Evans, DeVonta Smith (R)
Cornerback is the strength for Carolina with Jaycee Horn and Mike Jackson on the perimeter, and Chau Smith-Wade is very good in the slot as well. While the primary backups are likely set with fourth-round rookie Will Lee III and Akayleb Evans, undrafted rookie DeVonta Smith—who played at Alabama and Notre Dame—is the “longshot” that I believe will make the team.
Safety (4)
Nick Scott, Tre’von Moehrig, Lathan Ransom, Zakee Wheatley (R)
It was difficult to leave Isaiah Simmons off the roster, but he might be hurt by Nick Hampton and Kuwatch Jackson being brought in this offseason as defensive depth that can contribute on special teams. Zakee Wheatley being there in the fifth round also hurt Simmons’ chances, so he probably needs the Panthers to keep just three running backs or five edge defenders to help his cause.
Special teams (3)
Ryan Fitzgerald, Sam Martin, JJ Jansen
There won’t be any competition on special teams barring an addition at some point before or during camp, so the battery of Ryan Fitzgerald, Sam Martin, and JJ Jansen remains in place for 2026.
Injured (2)
OT Ikem Ekwonu, DL Tershawn Wharton