With the Carolina Panthers set to report to training camp this week, it’s time to take a look at the lay of the land.

Which players are sure to make it through the summer and onto the team’s initial 53-man roster? Are there any wild-card candidates who can leave a lasting impression in the coming weeks? And which battles are worth keeping an eye on?

Here is our training camp preview for the Panthers’ secondary:

LocksJaycee HornMike JacksonChau Smith-WadeTre’von MoehrigLathan Ransom

Horn and Jackson, both of whom received new deals this offseason, are in line to head the cornerback group once again. Smith-Wade feels like a heavy favorite to join them from the slot following a standout spring.

Moehrig also got paid—on a three-year, $51 million pact out of free agency. His positional versatility, both as a strong and free safety, should prove valuable for a defense that had trouble wrapping up and producing takeaways in 2024.

Ransom, the second of the team’s two fourth-round picks from this year, may be ready to start from Day 1.

Likely to make itShemar BartholomewDemani RichardsonNick Scott

Carolina remains extremely thin at corner behind Horn and Jackson. Bartholomew, pretty much by default, would be the next man up on the outside.

Richardson, an undrafted free agent from 2024, was a nice little find for the Panthers. He started in five of his seven games, including the final three outings of the campaign.

On the bubbleAkayleb EvansMJ DevonshireJaTravis BroughtonMichael ReidCorey ThorntonIsaac GiffordJack HendersonTrevian Thomas

This group features six 2025 undrafted free-agent signees.

Evans, in fact, is the only player here with actual NFL experience. He’s started in 18 of his 34 contests, one of which came for the Panthers this past season.

Battle to watchLathan Ransom vs. Demani Richardson

Carolina addressed one of their starting safety jobs by inking Moehrig to that massive contract. But they haven’t been as emphatic in filling out the other spot.

Richardson will be challenged by the fourth-rounder Ransom, a productive three-year starter and national champion from Ohio State University.

Potential sleeper

Devonshire, a seventh-round pick of the Las Vegas Raiders from the 2024 draft, has some intriguing attributes. The long 5-foot-11, 179-pounder has the chops to play both inside and out, and could factor into Carolina’s plans given their lack of depth in the secondary.

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