Jan. 19, 2026, 4:30 p.m. ET

The Carolina Panthers are building themselves brick by brick. And thus far, the construction seems to be going somewhere—as the organization is fresh off capturing their first playoff berth since 2017 and their first NFC South title since 2015.

But which bricks will stay in this developing project?

Let’s go through each of the team’s 24 upcoming free agents and decide whether the Panthers should keep them or let them walk this offseason . . .

RB Rico Dowdle: Walk

Dowdle has indicated that he’ll be looking for a more featured role for 2026 and beyond. That probably won’t be available to him in Carolina, where he received just 33 carries over his final four games of the campaign.

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WR Jalen Coker (ERFA): Keep

Coker, who broke out for 134 receiving yards and a clutch go-ahead touchdown in his playoff debut, is primed to establish himself as a staple in the passing game. All the Panthers have to do to keep him is extend a qualifying offer, which prohibits exclusive rights free agents from negotiating with other teams.

WR Brycen Tremayne (ERFA): Keep

The same goes for Tremayne, a key contributor on special teams and a staff favorite.

WR David Moore: Walk

Carolina has to make room for a home-run threat at the wideout position. Moore’s veteran leadership is valued, but his on-field presence hasn’t moved the needle.TE James Mitchell (RFA): Keep

Mitchell is a solid pass protector. Unless the Panthers plan to make a pretty notable addition at tight end, the 26-year-old should be kept around for depth.

OT Yosh Nijman: Keep

Nijman has proven his worth as an easily-insertable swing tackle. He would’ve been a keep even before the devastating knee injury to Ikem Ekwonu, who could very well miss time in 2026.

OL Brady Christensen: Keep

Given Christensen’s versatility and effectiveness, getting the 2021 third-round pick back last offseason felt like some sort of miracle for the Panthers. They should try again, especially given his ability to man the blindside.

OL Austin Corbett: Walk

To his credit, Corbett staved off yet another knee injury to serve as the offensive line’s “sixth man” in 2025. But between his numerous setbacks and his middling performance in recent seasons, it feels like it’s time for Carolina to move on.

OL Jake Curhan: Keep

Curhan showed he can hang in a pinch, and got quite a few shoutouts from head coach Dave Canales throughout the year.

C Cade Mays: Keep

Mays didn’t take the leap some had anticipated, but he was reliable. Continuity in the offensive trench is key, especially with the guy who’s exchanging the rock with your quarterback.

DL LaBryan Ray (RFA): Walk

Pro Football Focus marked Ray as one of Carolina’s lowest-graded defenders from 2025.

OLB D.J. Wonnum: Keep

While he did come on a bit towards the end of the year, Wonnum—who has tallied just 7.0 sacks in his two seasons for the Panthers—shouldn’t have a grip on a starting gig anymore. He could, however, slot in as a high-end depth piece if a team-friendly opportunity arises.

OLB Trevis Gipson: Walk

Gipson made a decent impact in his brief time here. But the floor of the pass-rushing room is going to be raised.

OLB Thomas Incoom (RFA): Keep

Incoom played a regular role on special teams.

ILB Christian Rozeboom: Keep

Like Wonnum, Rozeboom could fit nicely on a team-friendly. But the Panthers have to upgrade from at least one of their starting inside linebackers.

ILB Claudin Cherelus (RFA): Keep

Again, Carolina has to add a dynamic defender at this position. Cherelus, who can still can contribute through special teams, shouldn’t have to start.

ILB Krys Barnes: Walk

Barnes, similarly to Gipson, played relatively well after he was brought in mid-season. However, there may not be a spot left if the Panthers improve the room.

CB Akayleb Evans: Keep

The Panthers could also stand to improve the depth behind starting cornerbacks Jaycee Horn and Mike Jackson. Evans can compete to secure his spot.

CB Damarri Mathis: Walk

Mathis, a late-summer waiver claim, might be in the same boat as Evans. Perhaps he gets a second chance to battle after he sustained an ACL tear right before the start of the regular season.

CB Robert Rochelle: Walk

Rochell played zero defensive snaps in his six games this past season.

S Nick Scott: Walk

Scott wasn’t as bad as some of the fan base may tell you. But it might be time to upgrade across from Tre’von Moehrig or give 2025 fourth-rounder Lathan Ransom a shot at taking the starting job.

S Isaiah Simmons: Keep

Simmons put in work on special teams. And hey, maybe the former eighth overall pick has some untapped potential there at safety.

P Sam Martin: Keep

Martin was solid, finishing with the ninth-most punts inside the 20-yard line (27).

LS JJ Jansen: Keep

Can Jansen make it 18 seasons in Carolina?

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