Feb. 15, 2026, 10:00 a.m. ET
For the first time in a long time, the vibes were high and the progress was real in Carolina. But that, however, doesn’t mean everyone will be back on board for 2026.
Here are four players who may have already recorded their final snap for the Panthers . . .
RB Rico Dowdle
This one-year union served its purpose. Dowdle got the chance to shine as a bell cow, rushing for 1,076 yards and a career-high six touchdowns, and the Panthers cashed in on their insurance policy after starter Chuba Hubbard’s early-season struggles.
Now, Dowdle has made it known that he wants to be on a team that’ll hand him the reins for 2026. With Hubbard reclaiming the lead at the position late in the campaign and 2024 second-round pick Jonathon Brooks possibly nearing a return, that team probably won’t be this one.
Expert NFL picks: Exclusive betting insights only at USA TODAY.OL Austin Corbett
The relationship between Corbett and the Panthers also feels like it’s run its course.
Three separate knee injuries and a biceps tear limited Corbett to 40 games over his four seasons in Carolina. He wasn’t particularly great in the last of those either, as he received the second-lowest pass-blocking grade of his career from Pro Football Focus (56.2).
If Corbett returns, it’ll be as a depth piece on a team-friendly deal. But perhaps a positive change of scenery and a more featured opportunity will be waiting for him elsewhere.
DL A’Shawn Robinson
Robinson seems to be Carolina’s likeliest cut candidate this offseason. His release, on what would be the final season of his three-year deal, would save the team approximately $10.5 million in cap space.
While he has been a reliable contributor and helped turn the defense around in 2025, that juice may be worth the squeeze for the Panthers—especially with Derrick Brown, Tershawn Wharton, Bobby Brown III and Cam Jackson already in the trench.
OLB D.J. Wonnum
Wonnum, a soon-to-be free agent, wrapped up his two-year pact in Carolina with just 7.0 sacks. Although he came on strong late in both of those campaigns, the 28-year-old has not shown much consistency.
The Panthers may allow Wonnum to walk, which could free up more reps for 2025 draft picks Nic Scourton and Princely Umanmielen.
Follow @ThePanthersWire on Twitter/X for more Panthers content.