NEXT STEPS FOR 2026
Some of the work they needed to do for the future came last year.
Wharton was limited to nine games because of injuries, so getting him back to health would add another impact rusher. He had 2.0 sacks last year, but posted 8.5 the year before with the Chiefs. And in spurts last year, he showed signs of the kind of disruptive presence he could be next to Derrick Brown.
And they used Cam Jackson more and more as the year went on, as he was active for the final four regular-season games and the playoffs, and steadily increased his snap counts. With his size (6-6, 328), and the fact he’s just 23, he’s got the potential to do more.
They could continue to add there, and have some decisions to make. Veteran A’Shawn Robinson‘s still a productive player, but the combination of a big cap number and turning 31 next month has to be considered. But he remains a quality player, and he carried a heavy load in 2024 when Derrick was injured, and remains a valuable leader for the group. The steady LaBryan Ray is a restricted free agent, but he’s proven to be trustworthy over the last few years, and has value as a rotational player.
The Panthers have put a premium on bringing in younger players under general manager Dan Morgan, and Wharton (27) and Bobby Brown (25) being targets in free agency last year was a signal that’s something he values. And as they continue to build for 2026 and beyond, keeping that front strong is something Morgan puts a high value on.