The Carolina Panthers have been one of the most aggressive teams this offseason. They’ve made noise early with a clear intent to take the next step.  Many analysts and podcasts have praised Dan Morgan and the front office. They have attacked their needs head-on rather than sit back and wait.

Moves like adding Jaelan Phillips and Devin Lloyd have helped address key areas on defense. While other additions have quietly reinforced depth across the roster.

More importantly, this approach has given Carolina something it hasn’t always had: flexibility.

They’ve avoided being pigeonholed into drafting for need at one position.
That flexibility matters. With time still left before the draft and the possibility of another surprise free agent addition, the Panthers are in a strong spot.

But even with all the early momentum, this roster is far from complete.

So, as the next phase of the offseason approaches, here are the key areas Carolina can still improve.

Edge Rusher: Depth and a Difference Maker

The Panthers are clearly focused on improving one of their biggest weaknesses from last season, getting after the quarterback.

Signing Jaelan Phillips was a major step in the right direction. He’s also a perfect fit for Ejiro Evero’s defense. While the team has also made moves to improve the offense, it’s the defense that will ultimately raise this team’s margin for error and allow it to compete at a higher level.

Improving the pass rush is central to that goal.

Phillips gives Carolina a much-needed boost, but the Panthers will still need a consistent edge presence. Injuries and inconsistency have made it difficult to rely on one player to anchor the pass rush over a full season.

The good news? There are still quality options available in free agency, giving Carolina an opportunity to continue strengthening this unit before the draft.

If the Panthers want to take the next step defensively, they need another player who can consistently win one-on-one matchups and help close out games late.

Potential Free Agent Fits:
Haason Reddick, Jadeveon Clowney, Joey Bosa

Potential Draft Targets:
Zion Young, Dani Dennis-Sutton, Romello Height

Potential Trade Targets:
Kayvon Thibodeaux, Jonathan Greenard

Defensive Line Depth: A Quiet but Critical Need

There’s an old saying in football: great third-down defenses are built on winning first and second down. And at the core of that? Stopping the run.

For the Carolina Panthers, that starts up front.

The release of A’Shawn Robinson created valuable cap space. It also left a noticeable gap along the defensive line. But gave the team flexibility to address other needs. While Derrick Brown, Bobby Brown III, and Tershawn Wharton form a solid starting group, the depth behind them is extremely thin.

In Ejiro Evero’s scheme, rotational defensive linemen may not always be headline names, but they are critical to the unit’s overall success. Without reliable depth, the defense risks wearing down over the course of a game—and a season.

This is one of those areas that doesn’t always get attention, but it can quietly become a major issue if not addressed.

The Panthers don’t just need bodies. They need players who can step in, hold the line, and maintain production when the starters come off the field.

Potential Free Agent Fits:
DJ Reader, Shelby Harris, Christian Wilkins

Potential Draft Targets:
Peter Woods, Domonique Orange, Tim Keenan III

Potential Trade Targets:
Daron Payne

Tight End: A Missing Piece in the Passing Game

Carolina still hasn’t replaced the consistent production they once had with Greg Olsen. At his peak, Olsen was a reliable, high-volume target who could control the middle of the field, move the chains, and be a true safety valve on critical downs.

For Bryce Young, that kind of production is so valuable. Right now, that level of consistency simply isn’t present. There is talent in the current tight end room.
But the production hasn’t matched what the offense needs to take the next step.

Whether it’s a matter of usage or personnel, the result is the same: the position is not producing at a high enough level.

Adding a true pass-catching tight end would give the offense more versatility, create easier throws over the middle, and provide Young with a dependable option when plays break down. It’s not just about having a tight end, it’s about having one who consistently produces.

Best Free Agents Available:
David Njoku, Jonnu Smith,

Best Draft Targets:
Kenyon Sadiq, Max Klare, Justin Joly

Developmental Quarterback

The Panthers addressed depth by signing Kenny Pickett, but there are still long-term questions behind Bryce Young, especially with Andy Dalton being traded to the Ravens.

Carolina picked up the fifth-year option for Bryce Young, signaling commitment, but the reality is that he was still ranked in the bottom half of several major statistical categories last season. While his development is trending in the right direction, the Panthers would be wise to create a contingency plan.

This is where a developmental quarterback becomes valuable, not as a replacement, but as a strategic investment.

One name that stands out is Taylen Green. Green is one of the most intriguing prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft class, bringing elite athleticism and rare physical tools. At 6’6”, 227 pounds, he turned heads at the combine with a blazing 4.36-second 40-yard dash and a 43.5-inch vertical—numbers that highlight his explosive, dual-threat potential.

Green also possesses a strong arm and high upside, making him an ideal developmental prospect. This would be a long-term investment.
It also gives Carolina the chance to develop Green into:

a high-end backup
a potential future starter
or even a valuable trade asset down the line

For a team still building toward sustained success, this is the type of forward-thinking move that could pay off in a big way.

Best Draft Targets:
Taylen Green

The Last Word on Update Needs

The Panthers have made meaningful progress this offseason, particularly on defense. But this is no longer just about rebuilding. It’s about refining the roster into a contender.

With key needs still at edge rusher, the trenches, and offensive playmakers, the next phase of free agency and the draft will be critical.

If Carolina makes the right moves, they won’t just compete. They could position themselves to contend for the NFC South again in 2026.

Main Photo: [Bob Donnan] – Imagn Images