Panthers GM Dan Morgan explains how the job might not be done in free agency — other targets Carolina should consider signing
The Carolina Panthers were one of the most active teams in free agency and could have another splash up their sleeve before the 2026 NFL Draft.
The Carolina Panthers were one of the most active teams in free agency by signing three of the Top-10 free agents according to our A to Z Sports Top-100 free agent rankings in DE Jaelan Phillips, LB Devin Lloyd, and LT Rasheed Walker.
It was a fantastic haul and great value by general manager Dan Morgan and executive vice president of football operations Brandt Tillis. Those two did an outstanding job during the free agency process ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft, but, the job might not be over.
“There might be a few moves here and there—guys that we think we might be able to get,” Morgan told reporters. “But yeah, we’re always gonna be looking, we’re always gonna be aggressive. There’s always gonna be guys out there that aren’t signed that you think should be signed that may be an opportunity for us to get better. If we feel like they’ll make us better, we’ll definitely explore it.”
First, the Panthers would need more cap space before considering any other addition. According to OverTheCap, Carolina currently has $2,210,496 in cap space and would need more before signing the draft class, much less adding another free agent. But, there’s multiple ways to easily acquire more space.
“We are going to have to make room,” Tilis explained. “We could convert Jaycee [Horn]. We could convert a few other players if we chose. We have a few different avenues, and we’re just weighing them all.”
A standard restructure for cornerback Jaycee Horn alone would free up over $12 million in 2026 cap space. That’s enough room for the upcoming draft picks, and to make another addition before the draft. Here’s some remaining options the Panthers should consider.
Remaining free agent targets for the Carolina Panthers to consider adding
TE David Njoku
It’s remarkable that David Njoku is still unsigned at this point in free agency. Njoku has been a productive starter in this league for years with the Cleveland Browns and the longer he’s out on the market, the lower his price will drop. The Panthers need a big-bodied target over the middle that can create after the catch for quarterback Bryce Young. Signing Njoku can fill that spot ahead of the draft and allow the Panthers avoid drafting a prospect like Kenyon Sadiq in the first-round.
IOL Brady Christensen
The market for Brady Christensen was expected to be slow following a season-ending Achilles injury he suffered in Week 8. Until he’s further along in his rehab process, teams are going to stay clear. The Panthers have the advantage here because they saw his recovery process while he was in the building and it would be wise to bring him back. Christensen offers tremendous value as a depth player at center and guard. This guy should be a starter in this league and likely would have gotten that opportunity in free agency if not for his injury.
CB Rasul Douglas
Panthers fans might remember this name after Rasul Douglas started 11 games for Carolina back in 2020. He’s a veteran player but the kind of cornerback you need in the room if you intend to compete for playoff games next season. Douglas has plenty of experience to be a rotational player in the secondary who’s also a great run tackler on the outside. He’s always been a bargain addition for every team he’s played for in his career.
Carolina Panthers News
Dan Morgan’s comments hint the Panthers could continue adding to a key position in the 2026 NFL Draft despite recent moves made in free agency
The Carolina Panthers might not be done adding to the quarterback room.
