May 23, 2026, 3:00 p.m. ET<\/p>\n
Organized team activities aren’t exactly the most intensive workouts of the NFL offseason. This phase is more about installing concepts and familiarity than it is the grueling, grind-it-out practices from the summer.<\/p>\n
Nevertheless, these sessions can give us a glimpse into how an initial roster, and even a starting lineup, can look.<\/p>\n
So, with the Carolina Panthers<\/a> set to begin<\/a> their OTAs on Tuesday, let’s take a look at six jobs that could be up for grabs starting this week . . .<\/p>\n No. 3 WR<\/p>\n 2024 first-round pick Xavier Legette may be losing his grip on a regular role for the offense. His drops and an alarming lack of spacial awareness have persisted through his first two pro campaigns\u2014to the point where he saw his on-field presence dip<\/a> from game to game over the final stretch of the season.<\/p>\n Expert NFL picks: Exclusive betting insights only at USA TODAY.<\/a><\/p>\n In the last few months, the Panthers have signed<\/a> free-agent John Metchie III, a favorite<\/a> of quarterback Bryce Young’s from their Alabama days, and drafted<\/a> first-team All-SEC selection Chris Brazzell II in the third round of the 2026 draft. Given Metchie’s previous chemistry with Young and Brazzell’s eye-popping size-and-speed combo, Legette could feel a few challengers coming for his spot behind Tetairoa McMillan and Jalen Coker.<\/p>\n Left tackle<\/p>\n With usual starter Ikem Ekwonu likely to miss some time<\/a> into the regular season, the blindside is pretty open in Carolina.<\/p>\n The void was seemingly filled with a shocking signing in free agency, when the Panthers reeled in<\/a> former Green Bay Packer Rasheed Walker\u2014the top left tackle on the market\u2014on a one-year, $4 million deal. But about six weeks later, they then nabbed<\/a> the top left tackle prospect of the 2026 draft in Georgia’s Monroe Freeling with their first-round pick.<\/p>\n Although Freeling is considered a bit raw, don’t count him out against the veteran in Walker\u2014who is essentially being paid like a backup.<\/p>\n Center<\/p>\n Like they did at left tackle, the Panthers found themselves two possible solutions\u2014one through free agency and the other through the draft\u2014at center.<\/p>\n Veteran Luke Fortner will be challenged by fifth-round pick Sam Hecht. Hecht was an impressive pass blocker during his time at Kansas State, where he was charged with zero sacks and just 18 pressures over his four-year collegiate run.<\/p>\n Nickel cornerback<\/p>\n Despite some speculation that they may address the position, the Panthers didn’t add a notable nickel corner to their roster. That job, according to head coach Dave Canales, may already be secured<\/a> by Corey Thornton\u2014who shined as a rookie before sustaining a season-ending fibula fracture in Week 12.<\/p>\n While fans may point to fourth-round pick Will Lee III as a new challenger, “The Blanket<\/a>” plays primarily on the outside\u2014and may serve as much-needed depth behind starters Jaycee Horn and Mike Jackson. Instead, look for Chau Smith-Wade and undrafted signee DeVonta Smith to contend with Thornton.<\/p>\n Free safety<\/p>\n Contrary to popular belief, Nick Scott was solid as the starter across from Tre’von Moehrig in 2025. He might not, though, provide the ball-hawking skills general manager Dan Morgan is looking for at the top of his secondary.<\/p>\n Fifth-rounder Zakee Wheatley, who covered ground with the best of them at the college level, should factor in here. Don’t overlook 2025 fourth-rounder Lathan Ransom either.<\/p>\n Punt returner<\/p>\n Running back Trevor Etienne didn’t appear too comfortable as the primary punt returner last season. That was evident in the wild-card round matchup<\/a> versus the Los Angeles Rams<\/a>, where his early muff could’ve put the Panthers in a painfully deep hole.<\/p>\n Not only does Carolina need a bit more electricity out of this role, but they also need some more assurance. Perhaps veteran wideout David Moore or second-year receiver Jimmy Horn Jr. can enter the conversation.<\/p>\n