The early stages of the 2026 offseason may have gone according to plan for the Carolina Panthers.

General manager Dan Morgan and his front office began the new league year, or at least the legal tampering period, by reeling in two of the very top free agents for two of their roster’s very weakest areas. They then secured a starting left tackle, a starting center, a new backup quarterback and a bevy of their own depth from the 2025 campaign.

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But the job’s not finished.

Here, as we leave the free-agent frenzy behind and head towards the 2026 NFL Draft, are the Panthers’ four biggest remaining needs . . .

Home-run hitter (WR or TE)

Not even the Panthers, after the impressive work that they’ve done, covered all their bases just yet. Actually, they still need someone to clear them.

Morgan, back in January, expressed his desire to add a home-run threat on offense—a pass catcher, in his words, who can make a “5-yard catch and take it the distance, or make a few guys miss and come up with a big play.” And Carolina, who tied for the fourth-fewest 40-yard completions (four) and the fourth-fewest yards per attempt (6.4) in 2025—haven’t had that element for quite some time.

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2024 first-round pick Xavier Legette might possess the potential to become that type of weapon, but he’d have to make a substantial (and unlikely) leap from his first two disappointing NFL campaigns to do so. If the Panthers are looking outside of the building, free agent Deebo Samuel or one of a handful of draft prospects (Kenyon Sadiq, Kevin “KC” Concepion, Omar Cooper Jr., Zachariah Branch) could do the trick.

Competition at C

One of the primary goals of free agency is to, at a minimum, fill your roster’s most glaring holes with starting-caliber players. That way, you’ll be able to really select the best available players—and not worry about need—when the draft rolls around.

The Panthers accomplished that at center after losing Cade Mays, when they signed free agent Luke Fortner.

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Fortner, in his four-year pro career, has made 44 starts over 68 games. His last 10 came as a member of the New Orleans Saints in 2025—where he earned career-highs from Pro Football Focus in overall offensive grade (66.6), run-blocking grade (65.3) and pass-blocking grade (72.5).

The former third-round pick, however, isn’t a surefire, long-term answer in the middle of their trench—as evidenced by his one-year, $4.75 million pact. So don’t be surprised if the Panthers use a Day 2 or Day 3 pick to create some competition for the 27-year-old veteran.

No. 2 ILB

Carolina may have a long-term answer in the middle of their defense after inking 2025 Pro Bowler and second-team All-Pro Devin Lloyd to a three-year, $42 million deal. But the unit might need another new starter at inside linebacker.

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Trevin Wallace, the team’s third-round selection from 2024, has yet to firmly lock down his starting role. While the athletic 23-year-old has flashed some ability at times, he’s exhibited some troubles against the run and has had both of his first two seasons cut short by shoulder injuries.

There’s certainly room for an upgrade.

Slot CB

With Jaycee Horn fresh off his second Pro Bowl nod and Mike Jackson fresh off an eye-opening breakout campaign, the Panthers are marching into 2026 with one of the top cornerback duos in the league. But, as alluded to by multiple insiders over the past few weeks, the Panthers are still on the hunt for a starter to put in between them.

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Fielding a capable slot corner is more important than ever in the NFL, where the emphasis on the pass and three-wideout looks have continued to increase. The Carolina defense struggled to cover their inside, where 2024 fifth-rounder Chau Smith-Wade recorded the majority of snaps in 2025.

On top of needing a nickel, the Panthers could also benefit from some depth and versatility behind their outside starters. Had they been able to line up a more effective corner in place of an injured Horn to close out their wild-card round matchup against the Los Angeles Rams, perhaps the outcome may have been different.

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This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: Panthers offseason: 4 biggest remaining needs after free agency