March 15, 2026, 4:00 p.m. ET

The Carolina Panthers have done a bang-up job of addressing their needs through free agency thus far. In fact, this year’s dip into the open market may be their greatest in franchise history.

From scooping up two of the very top defenders in pass rusher Jaelan Phillips and linebacker Devin Lloyd to somehow packing away a top-end option at left tackle in Rasheed Walker, general manager Dan Morgan and company have made themselves a beautiful ice cream sundae out of their big-time signings. But could they add a cherry on top in the coming days?

If the Panthers want that final topping, here are four remaining free agents who would make this sweet haul even sweeter . . .

WR Deebo Samuel

Morgan has expressed a desire to add a home-run hitter of sorts on offense. And while Samuel may be past his Pro-Bowl days, he can still make things happen with the rock in his hands.

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In 2025, Samuel reeled in 72 catches for 727 yards and five touchdowns while finishing in the 89th percentile in yards-after-catch (YAC) rate. The 30-year-old Inman, S.C. native could also serve as a mentor to fellow Gamecock Xavier Legette—who posseses a similar, but untapped play style.

TE David Njoku

Carolina’s offense would benefit from a playmaker at tight end as well. While starters Tommy Tremble and Ja’Tavion Sanders were solid at times and 2025 fifth-round pick Mitchell Evans flashed some promise, none pose much of a threat in the passing game.

Njoku, however, does—with 23 touchdowns over his last five seasons. He, like Samuel, is a potent ball carrier who can add a different element to the position group.

ILB Bobby Okereke

Landing Lloyd, at a cool $15 million per year, felt like a coup for the Panthers. But with 2024 third-round pick Trevin Wallace having yet to come into his own, the Panthers might need another starter at inside linebacker.

Okereke, 29, could help plug up the run defense from the middle. He’s amassed at least 130 combined tackles in each of his last four healthy campaigns.

CB Mike Hilton

Carolina’s biggest remaining need might be at slot cornerback, where 2024 fifth-round struggled a bit this past season.

Hilton had a forgettable 2025, where he appeared in just four games for the Indianapolis Colts after being released by the Miami Dolphins during the summer. But if regains his form from Cincinnati, when he was one of the league’s top nickel defenders over the previous four campaigns, the 32-year-old could be an answer on the inside for the Panthers.

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