The Carolina Panthers’ 2025 season was a huge step forward for the franchise. They finished the season with an 8–9 record and secured their first NFC South title since 2015. Under the new reign of Dave Canales and Dan Morgan, the team broke a multi-year drought of relevance.
Bryce Young led the team to a .471 winning percentage, their best since 2017, before a narrow 34–31 loss to the Los Angeles Rams in the Wild Card Round. Despite the division title, the primary struggles in 2025 were offensive consistency and edge pressure on defense.
The Panthers’ offense ranked 27th in scoring (18.3 PPG), often struggling to sustain drives due to a lack of a veteran presence in the receiving corps. Defensively, the unit lacked a game-wrecker on the edge, which forced DC Ejiro Evero to rely on blitzes to compensate for a lack of natural four-man pressure.
With roughly $10.2 million in current cap space and up to $50 million possible through cuts, the focus for 2026 is to find a premium pass rusher and strengthen the skill positions.
Top 10 Free Agency Targets For Carolina Panthers
1. Bradley Chubb (EDGE)
Chubb is the top target for a defense desperate for a veteran pass rusher. In 2025, he recorded 53 tackles and 8.5 sacks in 17 games upon his return from an ACL injury. His familiarity with Ejiro Evero’s system from their time together in Denver makes him a perfect fit for the Panthers’ 3-4 alignment.
Chubb provides the consistent win on the edge that would allow young players like Nic Scourton to develop without the pressure of being the primary threat. His arrival would immediately change a pass rush that struggled to get home in critical situations last season.
2. Rico Dowdle (RB, Carolina Panthers)
Retaining Dowdle is the Panthers’ top priority for the ground game. In 2025, he produced his second consecutive 1,000-yard season, finishing with 236 carries for 1,076 yards (4.6 YPC) and 6 touchdowns. Dowdle was the engine of the offense during the team’s mid-season surge, offering the physical, between-the-tackles presence Dave Canales requires.
His familiarity with the scheme and his 39 receptions for 297 yards make him a vital dual-threat asset. Keeping him ensures that Bryce Young has a reliable security blanket in the backfield to maintain offensive balance.
3. Romeo Doubs (WR, Green Bay Packers)
Doubs is an ideal “chain-mover” who would immediately improve Carolina’s third-down efficiency. In 2025, he led the Packers with 55 receptions for 724 yards and 6 touchdowns. The Panthers’ offense frequently struggled last year due to a lack of a veteran target capable of finding soft spots in zone coverage.
Doubs provides the consistent hands and red-zone reliability that would complement young wideouts. His arrival would offer Bryce Young a trusted target to move the sticks in the fourth quarter.
4. Austin Corbett (G, Carolina Panthers)
Corbett is a critical internal free agent who provided veteran stability for the offensive line in 2025. He appeared in 13 games, recording 673 offensive snaps and allowing only 3 sacks. While he missed time due to minor injuries, his presence was the difference between a clean pocket and consistent pressure for Young.
Corbett’s versatility and leadership at the pivot are essential for a unit that faced several injuries last season. Re-signing him preserves the chemistry of an interior line that helped the Panthers rank 1st in the NFC South.
5. Nick Scott (S, Carolina Panthers)
Scott was a defensive anchor for Carolina in 2025, starting all 17 games and recording a career-high 111 total tackles. He finished second on the team in stops and added one interception and three passes defensed. Scott’s ability to play over 1,000 defensive snaps and contribute significantly on special teams makes him a high-value priority for Dan Morgan.
6. Trey Hendrickson (DE, Cincinnati Bengals)
Hendrickson is the top solution for a Panthers defense desperate for edge pressure. In 2025, he appeared in 7 games, recording 16 tackles and 4.0 sacks before a core muscle injury ended his season. Despite the missed time, he remains one of the league‘s most efficient sack artists with 57 total sacks since 2021.
Carolina’s pass rush was inconsistent during their late-season collapse. Hendrickson provides the high-motor, veteran presence needed to mentor young defenders.
7. Braden Smith (OT, Indianapolis Colts)
Smith is a massive upgrade for an offensive line that struggled with consistency on the right side. In 2025, he started 15 games and played 766 offensive snaps. With Yosh Nijman hitting free agency and the right tackle position facing uncertainity, Smith offers elite, veteran stability.
His arrival would provide the necessary protection for Bryce Young to stay in the pocket longer, addressing the team’s struggles with third-down conversion and offensive rhythm.
8. Jauan Jennings (WR, San Francisco 49ers)
Jennings is a physical “dirty work” receiver who fits the Dan Morgan’s philosphy. In 2025, he recorded 55 receptions for 643 yards and 9 touchdowns, primarily serving as a third-down and red-zone specialist.
The Panthers’ offense frequently struggled in the red zone last year, ranking in the bottom third of the league in touchdown efficiency. Jennings’ ability to win in traffic and his elite run-blocking would be invaluable. He provides the veteran experience needed to move the chains and support the ground game.
9. D.J. Wonnum (LB, Carolina Panthers)
Wonnum is an essential internal priority to maintain the edge-rush rotation. In 2025, he appeared in 16 games, recording 42 total tackles (19 solo, 23 assists), 3.0 sacks and one interception. While his sack numbers were lower than his previous career highs, he was the most consistent presence on the perimeter for a unit that set a franchise record for injuries.
Wonnum understands Ejiro Evero’s system and provides a high floor as a rotational pass rusher. Keeping him allows the Panthers to focus their high draft picks on other positions while maintaining a reliable edge strength.
10. Alijah Vera-Tucker (G, New York Jets)
Vera-Tucker is a versatile “fix-all” who appeared in 15 games in 2024. He can start at both tackle and guard, offering a strategic asset for a Panthers line that saw multiple starters end the year on Injured Reserve.
His movement in space is a perfect match for Dave Canales’ zone-blocking scheme. Adding Vera-Tucker would provide the athleticism needed to open lanes for Rico Dowdle and significantly improve the division champions’ overall rushing efficiency.
11. Marcus Mariota (QB, Washington Commanders)
Mariota is a high-end veteran backup who would provide Bryce Young with a valuable mentor and a reliable insurance policy. In 2025, he appeared in 11 games for Washington, completing 61.2% of his passes for 1,695 yards and 10 touchdowns. He also added 297 rushing yards, proving his dual-threat utility remains intact.
Given the “injury frenzy” that hit the NFL in 2025, having a backup who can execute a West Coast offense is a necessity. Mariota offers a cost-effective solution that brings playoff experience to a young locker room.
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