May 23, 2026, 3:00 p.m. ET

Organized team activities aren’t exactly the most intensive workouts of the NFL offseason. This phase is more about installing concepts and familiarity than it is the grueling, grind-it-out practices from the summer.

Nevertheless, these sessions can give us a glimpse into how an initial roster, and even a starting lineup, can look.

So, with the Carolina Panthers set to begin their OTAs on Tuesday, let’s take a look at six jobs that could be up for grabs starting this week . . .

No. 3 WR

2024 first-round pick Xavier Legette may be losing his grip on a regular role for the offense. His drops and an alarming lack of spacial awareness have persisted through his first two pro campaigns—to the point where he saw his on-field presence dip from game to game over the final stretch of the season.

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In the last few months, the Panthers have signed free-agent John Metchie III, a favorite of quarterback Bryce Young’s from their Alabama days, and drafted first-team All-SEC selection Chris Brazzell II in the third round of the 2026 draft. Given Metchie’s previous chemistry with Young and Brazzell’s eye-popping size-and-speed combo, Legette could feel a few challengers coming for his spot behind Tetairoa McMillan and Jalen Coker.

Left tackle

With usual starter Ikem Ekwonu likely to miss some time into the regular season, the blindside is pretty open in Carolina.

The void was seemingly filled with a shocking signing in free agency, when the Panthers reeled in former Green Bay Packer Rasheed Walker—the top left tackle on the market—on a one-year, $4 million deal. But about six weeks later, they then nabbed the top left tackle prospect of the 2026 draft in Georgia’s Monroe Freeling with their first-round pick.

Although Freeling is considered a bit raw, don’t count him out against the veteran in Walker—who is essentially being paid like a backup.

Center

Like they did at left tackle, the Panthers found themselves two possible solutions—one through free agency and the other through the draft—at center.

Veteran Luke Fortner will be challenged by fifth-round pick Sam Hecht. Hecht was an impressive pass blocker during his time at Kansas State, where he was charged with zero sacks and just 18 pressures over his four-year collegiate run.

Nickel cornerback

Despite some speculation that they may address the position, the Panthers didn’t add a notable nickel corner to their roster. That job, according to head coach Dave Canales, may already be secured by Corey Thornton—who shined as a rookie before sustaining a season-ending fibula fracture in Week 12.

While fans may point to fourth-round pick Will Lee III as a new challenger, “The Blanket” plays primarily on the outside—and may serve as much-needed depth behind starters Jaycee Horn and Mike Jackson. Instead, look for Chau Smith-Wade and undrafted signee DeVonta Smith to contend with Thornton.

Free safety

Contrary to popular belief, Nick Scott was solid as the starter across from Tre’von Moehrig in 2025. He might not, though, provide the ball-hawking skills general manager Dan Morgan is looking for at the top of his secondary.

Fifth-rounder Zakee Wheatley, who covered ground with the best of them at the college level, should factor in here. Don’t overlook 2025 fourth-rounder Lathan Ransom either.

Punt returner

Running back Trevor Etienne didn’t appear too comfortable as the primary punt returner last season. That was evident in the wild-card round matchup versus the Los Angeles Rams, where his early muff could’ve put the Panthers in a painfully deep hole.

Not only does Carolina need a bit more electricity out of this role, but they also need some more assurance. Perhaps veteran wideout David Moore or second-year receiver Jimmy Horn Jr. can enter the conversation.

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