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Carlina Panthers defensive tackle A’Shawn Robinson makes atckle during a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Fresh off a division title and playoff appearance, the Carolina Panthers turn their attention to the financial part of the season. More importantly, they need to make decisions about whether to reward or release certain players. As of right now, the team possesses 18 pending unrestricted free agents, along with players that team management needs to figure out what to do with.
Building a perennial playoff roster requires more than just starters. Football remains a game of attrition, where injury and ineffective play keep rosters constantly moving. As a result, attentiveness toward the entire team becomes an issue.
According to Spotrac, the Panthers have $17,892,565 in cap space, which gives them the No. 17 spot out of the league’s 32 teams. Meanwhile, they have $9,341,094 in dead money on their books. Dead money is owed to players no longer on the active roster. Under those circumstances, the franchise can get creative in deciding how to handle its finances.
Several Key Players Could Either See Raises or Releases During Free Agency
While popular, tight end Tommy Tremble’s salary and production do not align. Last season, he crossed the 1,000-yard mark for his career. According to Pro Football Reference, Tremble averages 24 receptions, 225 yards, and two touchdowns.
In 2026, the 25-year-old will earn $4,500,000 this season. If the team releases him between today and March 15, they will incur a $2.16 million dead cap hit but save $5.84 million in cap space. However, Mike Kaye of the Charlotte Observer doesn’t believe that Tremble will end up leaving Charlotte but recognizes his limitations, stating:
“A homegrown player with plenty of locker room clout, Tremble has established himself as a trusty weapon for quarterback Bryce Young. However, his production isn’t in line with the top tight ends around the league.”
GettyCarolina Panthers tight end Tommy Tremble makes a catch against the Atlanta Falcons during a November 16, 2025 game.
The team drafted Ja’Tavion Sanders to compete for the starting role, but injuries and averaging 8.6 yards per catch slowed those plans.
Productive Veterans Present Financial Issues
Another player contract that Kaye discussed was that of defensive tackle A’Shawn Robinson. The 30-year-old defense enjoyed the best two seasons of his NFL career with a combined 145 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, and eight sacks. Kaye believes that the Panthers will make a move with the veteran:
“The Panthers can’t restructure the final year of Robinson’s deal, and they almost certainly won’t want to have him on the roster with his current cap number. So, Carolina could release him or sign him to a short-term extension.”
GettyCarlina Panthers defensive tackle A’Shawn Robinson makes atckle during a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
If Carolina releases Robinson, they will add $9.5 million in cap space. That could open the door for attacking the free agent market or rewarding veterans like Mike Jackson, who will make $4.25 million in 2026. Jackson enjoyed a breakout season, starting all 17 games, tallying 68 tackles, picking off four passes, and taking one the distance.
GettyCarolina Panthers CB Mike Jackson celebrates an interception during a November 30, 2025 game.
In addition, he led the league, breaking up 19 passes. Solidifying the corner spot opposite Jaycee Horn gives Carolina the opportunity to establish continuity in their secondary for the next couple of seasons.
With one season remaining on #Panthers’ Mike Jackson’s 2-year, $10.5M contract, should GM Dan Morgan extend the under-rated CB2? He co-led #NFL with 19 passes defended, Is Jackson 1 of #NFL’s best bargains? … pic.twitter.com/ikzeuNXePP
— Jeff Hawkins (@WriterHawkins) January 14, 2026
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Heading into free agency with the momentum of a playoff season, Carolina is well-positioned. Free agents could view the team in a positive light while making their decisions. Moreover, the team could also use the regular-season success to build with their current team, adding smaller pieces along the way while they prepare for the 2026 NFL Draft.
Terrance Biggs Terrance started at heavy.com in January 2026
He is a veteran sportswriter with 12 years of experience, covering NFL, College, and MLB. Terrance has held positions at Sports Illustrated and Pro Football Sports Network. A graduate of Fort Hays State University with a bachelor’s in Communication, he is also a voting member of the Football Writers Association of America, United States Basketball Writers Association and the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association. More about Terrance Biggs
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