Carolina Panthers 53-Man Roster Projection Ahead Of 2026 Training Camp: Dave Canales has some difficult choices to make
The Carolina Panthers will be back in action in late July for the start of training camp. For the time being, let’s take a crack at the team’s potential 53-man roster projection.
The Carolina Panthers are coming off an encouraging season in 2025 that included an NFC South title and a trip to the postseason but more worked needed to be done on this roster after having just an 8-9 record in the regular season.
General manager Dan Morgan understood that and knew more was needed to get this team over the hump. So, he made some big swings this offseason to add more high-end talent to the roster and bolster key positions of need.
With training camp on the horizon in late July, let’s take the opportunity to break down the roster after what we learned throughout OTAs and minicamp. What better way to do so than a 53-man roster projection? Let’s get into it.
Note: Players with a single asterisk (*) are 2026 draft picks and players with double asterisks (**) are 2026 undrafted free agents.
When are 53-man roster cuts in the NFL in 2026?
NFL teams must trim their active rosters down to 53 players by Sunday, August 30 at 6 p.m. ET. This is earlier than in previous years and will allow teams to begin forming their 53-man roster directly after their final preseason game.
- Waiver Claims Period: Teams must submit waiver claims for released players by Monday, August 31, at 1:00 p.m. CT.
- Practice Squad Creation: Teams may begin forming their 16-man practice squads as soon as waiver claims are processed the following Monday.
Carolina Panthers 2026 53-Man Roster Projection
Quarterbacks: 3
- Bryce Young
- Kenny Pickett
- Haynes King**
Bryce Young is entering into a pivotal fourth season with the Panthers and looking to earn a second extension with the team. All eyes will be on #9 this year to prove he can be the unquestioned franchise quarterback. Behind him, the Panthers traded away veteran Andy Dalton and replaced him with former first-round pick Kenny Pickett on a one-year deal.
I’m also rolling with UDFA rookie Haynes King on the 53-man roster. The Panthers were dialed in on adding King during the draft process and believe he can offer more to the offense than just being a backup. If he leans into the Taysom Hill-role, the Panthers will find ways to get him on the field.
Running backs: 4
- Chuba Hubbard
- Jonathon Brooks
- AJ Dillon
- Trevor Etienne
The running back room has a lot more excitement to it with the return of Jonathon Brooks, who can bring more electricity out of the backfield as the complement to Chuba Hubbard. I’m keeping AJ Dillon as the third back for the sake of having a power back on the roster to use in short-yardage situations and Trevor Etienne for special teams value.
Wide receivers: 7
- Tetairoa McMillan
- Jalen Coker
- Xavier Legette
- Chris Brazzell II*
- David Moore
- John Metchie III
- Brycen Tremayne
Tetairoa McMillan is coming off an OROTY-worthy season and will be in line for a big Year 2 as the focal point of the passing game. Jalen Coker is destined for a bigger role as well after signing his new extension. As for Xavier Legette, it’s sink-or-swim time for the former first-round pick with rookie Chris Brazzell II joining the room as the new field stretcher.
The rest of the wide receiver room will be an exciting camp battle. David Moore is a player head coach Dave Canales trusts, John Metchie III has history with Bryce Young, and Brycen Tremayne offers special teams upside. Those three are the leaders in the race for the depth spots. That means Jimmy Horn Jr. could be on the outside looking in.
Tight ends: 3
- Tommy Tremble
- Ja’Tavion Sanders
- Mitchell Evans
The Panthers kept four tight ends on the 53-man roster last season, which is usually rare to see. Canales spoke highly of Tommy Tremble’s athleticism during minicamp and he’s excited to see how he looks in pads. Ja’Tavion Sanders is another vet who will see plenty of snaps. Then we have Mitchell Evans, a young player the staff is excited about developing. Felepie Franks has a shot at sticking around as well on special teams, but I’m keeping him off for the time being.
Offensive line: 9
- Rasheed Walker (LT)
- Damien Lewis (LG)
- Sam Hecht (C)
- Robert Hunt (RG)
- Taylor Moton (RT)
- Monroe Freeling*
- Chandler Zavala
- Luke Fortner
- Saahdiq Charles
Note: Ickey Ekwonu is projected to begin the season on the PUP list.
Due to Ickey Ekwonu’s injury, the Panthers had to reinforce the tackle position adding an established starter in Rasheed Walker and then using the first-round pick on Monroe Freeling, with the starting competition between those two set to heat up in camp. The same goes at center between rookie Sam Hecht and veteran Luke Fortner.
It’s worth noting that I see the Panthers re-signing Brady Christensen once he’s cleared, which means he would take over that final spot over Saahdiq Charles.
Defensive line: 6
- Derrick Brown (DE)
- Lee Hunter* (DT)
- Tershawn Wharton (DE)
- Bobby Brown III
- Aaron Hall
- Cam Jackson
The Panthers added more mass to the defensive front with the selection of Lee Hunter in the second-round, a player that will add even more disruption on the interior playing alongside Derrick Brown. Tershawn Warton is currently recovering from an offseason surgery but is expected back by the start of the season. In the meantime, his absence has given Aaron Hall and Cam Jackson more opportunities to show out.
Outside Linebackers: 5
- Jaelan Phillips
- Nic Scourton
- Patrick Jones II
- Princley Umanmielen
- Thomas Incoom
This room has another new face in town leading the group in Jaelan Phillips, who signed the largest free agent deal in franchise history. Carolina is expecting big things out of him along with a big Year 2 jump out of Nic Scourton. With Patrick Jones II and Princely Umanmielen behind those two, the Panthers have quality depth off the edge.
Inside Linebackers: 4
- Devin Lloyd
- Trevin Wallace
- Jackson Kuwatch*
- Isaiah Simmons
- Claudin Cherelus
Another position with a new high-priced player leading the room. Devin Lloyd is coming off a Pro Bowl season and instantly is one of the Panthers best LBs since having Luke Kuechly. He’s set to start alongside Trevin Wallace. Jackson Kuwatch will be a fun player to watch in the preseason while the final one-two spots will be a tight battle in camp.
Cornerbacks: 5
- Jaycee Horn
- Mike Jackson
- Corey Thornton
- Will Lee II*
- Chau Smith-Wade
Jaycee Horn and Mike Jackson are each coming off impressive seasons as one of the league’s top CB duos. Jackson has even more motivation in 2026 going into a contract year. Behind those two, the Panthers added Will “The Blanket” Lee II in the draft as depth on the outside while Corey Thornton appears to be the leader for the nickel spot.
Safeties: 4
- Tre’von Moehrig
- Nick Scott
- Zakee Wheatley*
- Lathan Ransom
This is shaping out to be a versatile safety room with Tre’von Moehrig manning the strong safety role with Nick Scott playing deep. The two backups of Zakee Wheatley and Lathan Ransom are very position-adaptable players that will be fun to watch mix in.
Specialists: 3
- Ryan Fitzgerald (K)
- Sam Martin (P)
- JJ Jansen (LS)
Panthers plan to run it back with the same trio of specialists the team kept in 2025, unless anything changes between now and Week 1.