March 29, 2026, 3:30 p.m. ET<\/p>\n
The early stages of the 2026 offseason may have gone according to plan for the Carolina Panthers<\/a>.<\/p>\n General manager Dan Morgan and his front office began the new league year, or at least the legal tampering period, by reeling in<\/a> two of the very top free agents for two of their roster’s very weakest areas. They then secured a starting left tackle, a starting center, a new backup quarterback and a bevy of their own depth from the 2025 campaign.<\/p>\n But the job’s not finished.<\/p>\n Here, as we leave the free-agent frenzy behind and head towards the 2026 NFL Draft, are the Panthers’ four biggest remaining needs . . .<\/p>\n Home-run hitter (WR or TE)<\/p>\n Not even the Panthers, after the impressive work that they’ve done, covered all their bases just yet. Actually, they still need someone to clear them.<\/p>\n Expert NFL picks: Exclusive betting insights only at USA TODAY.<\/a><\/p>\n Morgan, back in January, expressed<\/a> his desire to add a home-run threat on offense\u2014a pass catcher, in his words, who can make a “5-yard catch and take it the distance, or make a few guys miss and come up with a big play.” And Carolina, who tied for the fourth-fewest 40-yard completions (four) and the fourth-fewest yards per attempt (6.4) in 2025\u2014haven’t had that element for quite some time.<\/p>\n 2024 first-round pick Xavier Legette might possess the potential to become that type of weapon, but he’d have to make a substantial (and unlikely) leap from his first two disappointing NFL campaigns to do so. If the Panthers are looking outside of the building, free agent Deebo Samuel or one of a handful of draft prospects (Kenyon Sadiq, Kevin “KC” Concepion, Omar Cooper Jr., Zachariah Branch) could do the trick.<\/p>\n Competition at C<\/p>\n One of the primary goals of free agency is to, at a minimum, fill your roster’s most glaring holes with starting-caliber players. That way, you’ll be able to really select the best available players\u2014and not worry about need\u2014when the draft rolls around.<\/p>\n The Panthers accomplished that at center after losing<\/a> Cade Mays, when they signed<\/a> free agent Luke Fortner.<\/p>\n Fortner, in his four-year pro career, has made 44 starts over 68 games. His last 10 came as a member of the New Orleans Saints in 2025\u2014where he earned career-highs from Pro Football Focus in overall offensive grade (66.6), run-blocking grade (65.3) and pass-blocking grade (72.5).<\/p>\n The former third-round pick, however, isn’t a surefire, long-term answer in the middle of their trench\u2014as evidenced by his one-year, $4.75 million pact. So don’t be surprised if the Panthers use a Day 2 or Day 3 pick to create some competition for the 27-year-old veteran.<\/p>\n No. 2 ILB<\/p>\n Carolina may have a long-term answer in the middle of their defense after inking<\/a> 2025 Pro Bowler and second-team All-Pro Devin Lloyd to a three-year, $42 million deal. But the unit might need another new starter at inside linebacker.<\/p>\n Trevin Wallace, the team’s third-round selection from 2024, has yet to firmly lock down his starting role. While the athletic 23-year-old has flashed some ability at times, he’s exhibited some troubles against the run and has had both of his first two seasons cut short by shoulder injuries.<\/p>\n There’s certainly room for an upgrade.<\/p>\n Slot CB<\/p>\n With Jaycee Horn fresh off his second Pro Bowl nod and Mike Jackson fresh off an eye-opening breakout campaign, the Panthers are marching into 2026 with one of the top cornerback duos in the league. But, as alluded to<\/a> by multiple insiders over the past few weeks, the Panthers are still on the hunt for a starter to put in between them.<\/p>\n Fielding a capable slot corner is more important than ever in the NFL, where the emphasis on the pass and three-wideout looks have continued to increase. The Carolina defense struggled to cover their inside, where 2024 fifth-rounder Chau Smith-Wade recorded the majority of snaps in 2025.<\/p>\n On top of needing a nickel, the Panthers could also benefit from some depth and versatility behind their outside starters. Had they been able to line up a more effective corner in place of an injured Horn to close out their wild-card round matchup against the Los Angeles Rams, perhaps the outcome<\/a> may have been different.<\/p>\n Follow our\u00a0free agency tracker<\/a>\u00a0for all the latest moves.<\/p>\n