Jan. 28, 2026, 1:05 p.m. ET

The Carolina Panthers were fairly aggressive on the free-agent market in their first two offseasons under president of football operations and general manager Dan Morgan.

We saw that in 2024, when the team signed guards Robert Hunt and Damien Lewis to a combined $153 million out of the gate. They struck quickly again in 2025—landing defensive linemen Tershawn Wharton and Bobby Brown III, outside linebacker Pat Jones II and safety Tre’von Moehrig on the first day of the legal tampering period.

Heck, they almost ponied all the way up for last year’s top free-agent defender Milton Williams—who was whisked away by the New England Patriots at the last second.

So, now that the Panthers are the reigning NFC South champions for the first time in a decade, will they be even more inspired to spend big here in 2026?

If that’s the case, here are six free agents who could tempt Carolina to break out a bag or two this spring . . .

Expert NFL picks: Exclusive betting insights only at USA TODAY.WR Alec Pierce

Projected annual market value, via Spotrac: $20.2 million

Morgan has already publicly noted his offense’s need for a home-run threat. And very few receivers in 2025 hit “home runs” like Pierce did.

The former second-round pick notched a first down on 87.2 percent of his receptions, the highest mark among players with at least 20 grabs. Pierce also averaged the most yards per reception (21.3) and was tied for second in catches of 40 yards or more.

OT Rasheed Walker

Projected annual market value, via Spotrac: $20.2 million

Left tackle Ikem Ekwonu sustained a ruptured patellar tendon in the team’s wild-card round loss to the Los Angeles Rams. The devastating setback has brought about some uncertainty regarding the future of Ekwonu, who’s entering his fifth-year option in 2026, and of the blindside in Carolina.

Being that left tackle is amongst the most premium of positions, the Panthers may want to patch up that spot in a strong way. Walker, who’s been rock solid for the Green Bay Packers in his three pro seasons, is considered the top offensive tackle of this year’s free-agent class.

C Tyler Linderbaum

Projected annual market value, via Spotrac: $17.7 million

Carolina might be looking at two changes to their starting offensive line, as center Cade Mays is ticketed for the open market. If he finds a new home, the Panthers would need a new middle man.

Linderbaum has been as steady as they come since being taken by the Baltimore Ravens in the first round of the 2022 draft. In fact, he’s ascending, at least according to Pro Football Focus—who graded the four-year veteran at a 74.6 overall mark in 2022, a 78.5 in 2023, a 79.9 in 2024 and an 80.2 in 2025.

EDGE Trey Hendrickson

Projected annual market value, via Spotrac: $25.4 million

In addition to the lack of a home-run threat on offense, Morgan has also acknowledged his team’s disappointing pass rush. Could he put that long-standing problem to rest by making a huge splash?

Hendrickson, save for his injury-shortened 2025 campaign, has been one of the most productive edge defenders in the NFL. The former first-team All-Pro amassed at least 13.5 sacks in four of the five seasons between 2020 and 2024.

EDGE Jaelan Phillips

Projected annual market value, via Spotrac: $17.3 million

As opposed to Hendrickson, the production hasn’t really been there enough for Phillips. The 2021 first-rounder has experienced a year-to-year dip in sacks over his three full seasons—with 8.5 in 2021, 7.0 in 2022 and 5.0 in 2025.

But the 26-year-old does fit the mold for what Morgan and the Panthers look for in size (6-foot-5, 266 pounds) and in athleticism off the edge. Phillips also picked up some reps under Philadelphia Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, who runs a similar 3-4 approach to former pupil and Panthers defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero.

LB Devin Lloyd

Projected annual market value, via Spotrac: $20.1 million

The middle of the Carolina defense simply hasn’t been cutting it. And that’s an unfortunate reality for a franchise that has fielded the likes of Sam Mills, Jon Beason, Thomas Davis, Luke Kuechly and, oh yeah, Dan Morgan.

Perhaps Morgan can find a long-term fix at his old position in Lloyd, who’s fresh off his first Pro Bowl selection and a second-team All-Pro nod. The 2022 first-round pick was reliable against the run and tallied bests in interceptions (five) and quarterback hits (10).

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