NEXT STEPS FOR 2026

For a unit that has seen a lot of tinkering in recent years, there are still ample questions for the group heading into this offseason.

Veteran David Moore is an unrestricted free agent, meaning he can talk to any team he so chooses. He has spent most of his career with Canales though, and at 31 years old, what he’s looking for in a team has changed than for someone coming off their first contract. He spent much of the season sidelined with an elbow injury though, and as the Panthers saw their young corps come to life, the question naturally arises as to whether or not they’d like to continue a youth movement. Moore does provide veteran presence in the room though.

Canales challenged Legette to raise his game this offseason, stating in his closing press conference, “Just keep grinding, keep working, connecting with Bryce, making sure they’re on the same page. Making the plays when they come to him. It’s that simple. When you get opportunity in this league, this game, all the margins are so fine. It’s just critical that when you’re called upon, when your number is called, you make the play. That’s how you build trust and that’s how you get things back on track.”

Coker and Tremayne are both beholden to the Panthers for now; if the club offers them a contract, they can’t negotiate with other teams. But there is also the possibility of longer term deals to hit the table, especially with Coker.

“I’m really proud of Jalen, just another guy that has been through adversity with injuries and has overcome it, and a credit to him,” said Morgan after the season.

“Jalen’s a prime example of that, just put the work in and he’s a resilient guy,” continued Morgan. “He came back, and he played great. So, in terms of the contract and stuff like that, again, me and (executive vice president of football operations) Brandt (Tilis) are talking through timing on when to extend him and give him a deal. That’s all stuff we’re going to talk about.”

Regardless, expect Coker back next season. Canales told reporters at the end of the year that Coker and McMillan would have first shot at being starters for the 2026 season.

Said Canales, “They’re going to have the first opportunity to be out there to start.”