Jan. 29, 2026, 1:40 p.m. ET

The Carolina Panthers might be looking to trim a little fat for 2026.

According to the latest projections from OverTheCap, Carolina is heading into the offseason with approximately $9.1 million in salary cap space—which ranks as the 19th-highest mark in the NFL. Their effective salary cap space, at around $4.2 million, also sits at 19th.

So, what if they want some more flexibility before embarking on their first NFC South title defense in a decade?

Here are four possible cut candidates for the Panthers . . .

QB Andy Dalton

Potential savings: $2 million (post-June 1 release)

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

Parting ways with Dalton seems unlikely. While he struggled mightily in his lone start from the 2025 campaign, finding an okay backup quarterback—let alone a solid one—is a pretty tough task.

But president of football operations and general manager Dan Morgan has recently hinted at a possible addition behind starter Bryce Young. So if the Panthers want to go younger at the No. 2 spot, the 38-year-old could be at risk of an early departure.

TE Tommy Tremble

Potential savings: $6 million

As of now, Tremble is the best that Carolina’s tight end room has to offer. Unless the front office makes a notable upgrade to the position, then it’s likely the former third-rounder finishes out the final year of his contract.

The $6 million in savings, however, may be too enticing to pass up. Tremble could be on the outs if a shiny new toy arrives or if the organization has enough faith in 2024 draft pick Ja’Tavion Sanders and 2025 draft pick Mitchell Evans to lead the group.

DL A’Shawn Robinson

Potential savings: $10.5 million

As suggested by Joe Person of The Athletic earlier this week, Robinson might actually end up on the chopping block.

Despite starting in each of his 34 games as a Panther, the 30-year-old could be squeezed out of a room that already includes Derrick Brown, Tershawn Wharton, Bobby Brown III and 2025 draft pick Cam Jackson. The juice from that potential squeeze would net Carolina a nice chunk of change at $10.5 million.

OLB Pat Jones II

Potential savings: $4.75 million

We didn’t see much of Jones in his first year for Carolina, as a back injury ended his season just six weeks in. And while he was effective off the edge at times, the nearly $5 million in savings could help the Panthers with a much-needed overhaul of their pass-rushing unit.

Follow @ThePanthersWire on Twitter/X for more Panthers content.