Carolina Panthers 2026 offseason fan mailbag: Players to re-sign, the future at quarterback, and more!

Hello CSR! Welcome to Brian Answers, part two of your weekly Panthers fan mailbag for everyone! We got a ton of questions as we dive right into the off-season, and they touched on all sorts of subjects. Let’s jump right in!

Bruce Guild: Brian who would yopu put as you biggest player performance surprises on offense and defense (1 each) of the 2025 and what does it mean for the roster and for the upcoming offseason.

Who were you biggest surprises to the downside on each side of the ball and impact on the offseason.

For the offense, I’d say I was most surprised by Rico Dowdle’s 1,000 yard season, honestly. Chuba Hubbard went into the season entrenched as the number one guy, but that streak middle of the season had Rico Dowdle performing up there with the top backs in the league. I think he started to slow down due to the heavy usage from that, and eventually Chuba returned somewhat to form and Carolina was once again splitting the carries. I expect the Panthers won’t have any chance of bringing Rico back, not just because of the inconsistent usage towards the end of the season. On the downside, probably Ja’Tavion Sanders. He showed a lot of promise last season, and this year was cut short by injury. But he was pretty consistently outshined by Tommy Tremble and Mitchell Evans as receivers as well.

For the defense, biggest surprise for me was Chau Smith-Wade. He played quite well and seems entrenched as the Panthers “regular” nickel cornerback. They’ll still be filtering in big safeties and other player types, but Smith-Wade turned out to be more than the typical training camp smoke. I give a close second to CB Corey Thornton, who also had his season cut short by an unfortunate injury. On the downside, I’d say its between Bobby Brown III and Turk Wharton on the defensive line. Brown didn’t seem to get as much usage as many probably expected, as A’Shawn Robinson was mostly the biggest benefactor of having Derrick Brown back along the defensive line. Turk Wharton was very good when he was out there, but he just couldn’t stay healthy. For a big money defensive line signing, that was disappointing. Hopefully he bounces back next season in that regard.

Gamble20: I know the Panthers “like” Cade Mays. And we know they likely need a backup plan for Icky due to the injury. However, Dave reiterated how essential the offensive line is to their success and pointed out what the Bears spent as evidence. We all believe defense will be top priority, but is there any chance the Panthers might actually try to find an upgrade at center and go after the top free agent (Linderbaum?).

There’s always a chance, though with the many other needs on this defense, they likely could re-sign Mays and Brady Christensen on the cheaper side, and not have to worry about center. I could see them drafting one though, since this front office seems to draft from a value perspective a lot of the time.

Brazilian Panther: Apart from Coker that is a must re-sign, give me two others players that were on the roster this season that you think they should try to re-sign too. While at it, also give us two must free agents that you would like to see DC and DM go after it. Cheers

I think Yosh Nijman is an obvious one with the uncertainty surrounding Ikem Ekwonu’s injury following the playoff game. I think bringing him back allows the Panthers some flexibility, rather than signing a higher priced veteran starter or having to draft a tackle high. Even if they do choose to draft one, they won’t have to play right away having Nijman on the roster and familiar with the offense. For my second one, its obviously Nick Scott, 17 game starter at safety and likely highly affordable depth. Since I can already hear the boos from the comments, my third choice is punter Sam Martin. I see no reason to let him walk after the season he had.

PantherBlueBlood: So with Tillis visiting Atlanta and not signing on does that mean he is here to stay? Who would you say is the main talent evaluator, Willis, DM or is there someone else?

I wouldn’t call Brandt Tillis safe yet, but I do think David Tepper will be more than willing to give him a pay raise to get him to stay, possibly more. Guess we will just have to wait and see. I think Morgan is the main evaluator from a football perspective, but its pretty clearly a team effort in regards to basically everything the front office does between Dan Morgan and Tillis.

SnarkyComet: Is it a certainty that we move on from Dalton this offseason?

Based on Dan Morgan’s comments during his press conference this week, it seems a younger quarterback is on the agenda for this off-season. According to Spotrac, Dalton’s contract in 2026 is virtually all on the books, around almost $6 million. If the Panthers release him or he retires, they’ll still be on the hook from a cap perspective. That said, I wouldn’t rule either of those situations out, though it might make sense for him to stick around as a 3rd QB.

DBelt: How much money will the Panthers pay Bryce Young and how quickly will it turn into a Tua Tagovailoa situation?

I’d say a 10 year contract like what Pat Mahomes got is right about where I’d price him.

KeepPounding88: Am I crazy for thinking we’re due for regression next year? We still have an inconsistent QB, backdoored our way into the playoffs, lost our franchise LT to injury, have glaring holes on defense, and will in theory be playing a tougher schedule.

I don’t find that to be crazy at all. Number one, though the Panthers DID suffer a bunch of injuries on the offensive line, most of the injuries they had to endure across the roster weren’t detrimental. Most of their big name players stayed healthy or had a viable backup who could step in. So that aspect is always a possibility. On top of that, I would expect Tetairoa McMillan to have a rougher go of it now that NFL teams will have a full season of game tape on him as an NFL player and how the Panthers used him in their offense. Its really going to depend on what steps forward the rest of the roster takes, and if the Panthers can manage to draft another class of rookies that can make an instant impact like the 2025 class.

TLGPanthersfan: Feels like another season we may have to target an OL possibly in the first round. Do you want that? If not what position would you prefer? Me, LB but teams realizing they can attack the middle of the field really showed our lack of LB talent.

I think adding to the offensive line isn’t the worst decision. Between Ekwonu’s injury, Taylor Moton at the end of his career, and no certainty that Yosh Nijman is coming back, drafting a tackle this year in the first could be a shrewd move. Personally, I’d prefer they go defense, whether it be linebacker, safety, or even defensive line/edge. All of those would be valuable for this defense in my opinion. My preference would be a linebacker or another EDGE.

Coach_K: With Dowdle sounding like he’s on the way out, is there still hope that J Brooks will fill in on as a one-two punch with Chubba?

I think the Panthers will give Jonathon Brooks every chance to try and make his comeback next season. I think based on Dan Morgan and Dave Canales cutting their teeth in Seattle, they’ll draft a running back with a late round pick anyway, regardless of what they think of Brooks. But it is an uphill battle for him for sure.

Temujin07: Last two years Panthers have not really played complimentary football where we have won by more than one score other than once this season (week 3 vs ATL) leading to all of our other wins to be 4th quarter comes backs. Do you think this is a scheme issue (offense and/or defense) or personnel issue?

Its definitely a personnel issue to me. Obviously, no matter how you feel about Bryce Young, he was inconsistent all season, meaning the offense as a result was inconsistent. Combine that with a lot of young players taking on big roles in the passing game, and an offensive line that was basically in flux the entire season, and none of that bodes well for consistency. Dave Canales also didn’t seem to have a consistent game plan for this offense either. On defense, the pass rush and lack of talent at linebacker always seemed to do them in against above average offenses. All of these issues can be fixed by simply upgrading the personnel, aside from Bryce Young. He needs to find a way to be more consistent, but getting more help around him certainly would make that easier for him. But the consistency issues still lie at his feet to take care of.

Truthshallsetyoufree: Reports of Evero was extended only came out during a presser when Canales was asked about, why hasn’t there been anything put out officially by the organization?

Joe Person and Mike Kaye were both saying in the previous weeks on X/Twitter that Evero was under contract following this season, and it seems that coordinators being extended just isn’t something the national media really jumps on compared to a firing or a promotion. Based on all I’ve seen, it sounds like this wasn’t done recently either. I know many fans do not like Ejiro Evero, but his body of work this season was very good from a totality standpoint, and Dave Canales clearly is high on him, so I’m not surprised it wasn’t considered news they needed to shout out all over the internet.

DeeJ_93: Good Morning Brian! Super proud of how our team looked Saturday when nobody gave us a chance. If you could have a offseason wish list- what would it be? Let’s say a Top 5 of any specific FA signings or draftees you hope might fall to us?

Its a little early for me to pick specific names, just because the lists of free agents are going to be radically different in a couple of months when free agency actually starts. But I will give you a positional wish list.

1. Biggest priority for me is a linebacker. Christian Rozeboom had his moments, but he should not be an every game starter for this defense. I think he’d have fit better as the 3rd linebacker in the rotation where he could come in on more specialized downs. I’d like to see a high draft pick or a hefty free agent contract.
2. Depth tackle is my number two, just because of previously mentioned concerns at tackle.
3. In the draft, I’d like to see them bring in a safety. Preferably one who is more of a compliment to Lathan Ransom and Tre’Von Moehrig.
4. A backup quarterback, whether it be a younger guy in free agency or a mid round draft pick.
5. A shifty wide receiver. Jalen Coker is a fine fit as the slot guy, but he also excels on the outside. Tetairoa McMillan also could use more time in the slot. But I think a specialist for moving the chains would be good. And that guy could very well be Jimmy Horn Jr with another Offseason of reps and coaching.

JakeNCVA: What is the expectation now for next season? If this season was “over achieving” , would the same record and a back into the playoffs and first round loss be considered as just achieving ? Different fans have different expectations. Will be content with moral wins but L’s on the scoreboard? I guess I’m asking if we have turned a corner where our expectations are winning rather than cherry picking stats to feel good about?

I think the players and coaches have made it pretty clear they want to go to the playoffs again next season. I don’t think the Panthers will go for broke and sign a bunch of players and sell out for a Super Bowl, but another Offseason of building the roster and drafting for value should keep them in the conversation as a team nobody should be surprised at making the wild card round. While the Panthers certainly got very lucky to make the playoffs, they played enough games that were meaningful this season that I think we should be expecting them to improve on 8 wins and once again compete for a division crown.

DecFan: Is there any chance that Evero and the position coaches can correct Isaiah Simmons’ flaws and use him to help fill the needs at safety and linebacker? He certainly contributed on special teams this weekend.

There’s certainly a chance. I think he could be the back up for Tre’Von Moehrig’s role as a pseudo linebacker on many downs. And he shouldn’t be overly expensive. Helping out on special teams would also make him valuable.

Panthers75: Does our notoriously impatient owner stick with the plan or does he get aggressive and try to win now? Either way I personally won’t be shocked if the record next year is similar to this year’s. The first place schedule coupled along with not being underestimated should make a massive improvement next season more difficult to achieve.

I’m not at all concerned about David Tepper. I see no reason to think he would interfere or inject himself into the football decisions after the way the last two offseasons were handled. He appears to have his guys now in the coaching staff and front office.

Waldropa: We revamped the offensive line (although we had a ton of different lineups due to injuries) and hopefully drafted our #1 receiver. In your opinion, what would be more beneficial to the team as a whole and make us a playoff contender? Pouring all of our offseason assets into a top defense than can hold leads if and when we have them, or looking into a change at QB? I know we just picked up his 5th year option, but a lot of people on here are extremely low on Bryce, so I’m curious if that’s a legitimate feeling or if he’s good enough on his side of the ball if we had a defense that could step up to the plate if needed.

I know many want the Panthers to make a change at quarterback. I just don’t expect them to move on from him entirely. I think they’ll bring in strong competition, but not any kind of big names. I think based on the situation they are in with the draft, the best thing they can do is keep building the team as a whole. If the wheels fall off, they might look to make a change next Offseason with a stronger roster.

Chef: Hey Bri! Just curious who’s gonna be the new “Ya Boi” when we replace Nick Scott in the off-season 🤔? Is it a current unsung player or another low-end FA signing? Who ya got your 👀 on?

I don’t think I’ll have to find a new one since the Panthers will probably re-sign him. But if not, I’m sure Evero will dip into his Rams/Broncos bag of defensive backs across the league and find a shiny new one.

Revshawn: Also, is there any QB’s in the NFL that you currently have your eye on in the 3rd round or later? Do you think that the Panthers will run it back with the Red Rifle or will they bring in some guys that they can develop into starting roles after the Jack Plummer ordeal blew up in their face.

As much as I don’t like it having watched a bit of him living in the PSU area, QB Drew Allar would make a lot of sense. He has a totally different skillset from Bryce and would be suited to ride the bench and learn while the Panthers continue to figure out if Bryce is the long term answer or not.

GooseCreek: It’s early evening on April 23rd and the Panthers are just going on the clock. QBs Mendoza and Moore gone, LBs Reese and Styles gone, Edges Bain, Faulk and Bailey gone, WR Tyson gone, OTs Spano, Lomu and Mauigoa gone, S Downs gone, CBs, Devane and McCoy gone, DTs Woods and McDonald gone, TE Sadiq gone, RB Love is gone…your highest rated prospects on your board are Makai Lemon (WR), Ty Simpson (QB), and Olaivavega Ioane (G). You also have a trade offer from the LA Rams for their #29 pick plus their 2027 2nd rounder.

What do you do? Spend another #1 on a WR or QB, get that G you planned on addressing later, or accept the trade with several players on the board that you value and expect to be there at #29.

In this hypothetical scenario, I’d probably go with the guard. Lewis and Hunt are only getting more expensive, so at some point one of them will have to go. Trading down is certainly a viable alternative that I would not hate at all.