The Carolina Panthers are entering the 2026 NFL season with a talented, versatile roster that blends young potential with experienced veterans. With 76 players currently listed, the team faces critical decisions to finalize its 53-man roster. Utilizing an injury designation for one backup player on IR will allow the Panthers to preserve depth while fielding a highly competitive team. Below is a breakdown of the roster and the final projected 53-man roster.
Quarterbacks
The Panthers are set with Bryce Young leading the offense, supported by athletic backups. Rookie Alex Orji is a developmental project with dual-threat capabilities.
- Projected Depth Chart:
- Bryce Young (88 OVR) – The franchise quarterback with elite accuracy and leadership.
- Malik Willis (76 OVR) – Athletic backup capable of running read-option plays.
- Alex Orji (66 OVR) – A raw but intriguing dual-threat quarterback who will benefit from development.
Running Backs and Fullbacks
The backfield features a mix of speed, power, and versatility. Taysom Hill continues to be a Swiss Army knife, listed as a fullback but capable of playing quarterback, tight end, and running back. Rashad Amos is being groomed as Hill’s eventual successor.
- Projected Depth Chart:
- HB:
- Jonathan Brooks (86 OVR) – A balanced runner who can handle every-down responsibilities.
- Ashton Jeanty (87 OVR) – Explosive playmaker and receiving threat.
- Kaden Feagin (72 OVR) – A bruising rookie drafted in the 1st round, perfect for short-yardage and goal-line situations.
- FB:
- Taysom Hill (71 OVR) – A do-it-all weapon with experience in multiple roles.
- Corey Dyches (76 OVR) – A dependable blocker and occasional ball carrier.
- Rashad Amos (66 OVR) – Versatile back being developed into the next Taysom Hill role.
- HB:
Wide Receivers
The receiving corps is one of the strongest units on the team, headlined by Xavier Legette and Travis Hunter, both of whom are X-Factors. Depth is solid, with potential flexibility depending on injuries.
- Projected Depth Chart:
- Xavier Legette (94 OVR) – Dominant WR1 with excellent route running and physicality.
- Travis Hunter (94 OVR) – Explosive deep threat and complement to Legette.
- Kadarius Toney (80 OVR) – Shifty slot receiver who thrives in open space.
- Jonathan Mingo (79 OVR) – A physical possession receiver who excels on intermediate routes.
- Arian Smith (79 OVR) – Blazing speed makes him a dangerous vertical threat and return specialist.
- Bru McCoy (67 OVR) – Provides depth and special teams versatility; likely IR candidate for the season if he gets dinged up at any point.
Tight Ends
Converted wide receiver Chase Claypool leads the position as a mismatch weapon, while the backups offer complementary skills.
- Projected Depth Chart:
- Chase Claypool (82 OVR) – A Pro Bowl pass-catching tight end with size and speed.
- Ja’Tavion Sanders (74 OVR) – A younger tight end with receiving upside.
- Daniel Bellinger (72 OVR) – A reliable blocker and depth option.
- Keep an eye on: Jeff Driskel joined the team after the draft and the coaching staff is looking to convert him (back) to TE, a positioned he played back in 2021 for the Houston Texans. He could sneak into the that third spot on the final roster.
Offensive Line
The offensive line is anchored by Ikem Ekwonu and Pro Bowl right guard Robert Hunt, with rookie Keiondre Jones offering developmental potential. Depth options like Cameron Fleming or Donovan Smith could land on IR to create roster flexibility if they get dinged up.
- Projected Starters:
- LT: Ikem Ekwonu (84 OVR)
- LG: Damien Lewis (80 OVR)
- C: Jacob Bayer (74 OVR)
- RG: Robert Hunt (85 OVR)
- RT: Taylor Moton (82 OVR)
- Depth:
Cameron Fleming, Donovan Smith, Keiondre Jones, Jon Feliciano, George Fant
Defensive Line
The defensive line is versatile and features standout players like Derrick Brown and Grady Jarrett, who anchor the interior.
- Projected Starters:
- 3-4 DE: Derrick Brown, Travis Jones
- 4-3 DE: Desmond Evans, Adetomiwa Adebawore
- Nose Tackle: D.J. Reader
- 4-3 DT: Grady Jarrett
Edge Rushers
The edge group prioritizes speed and explosiveness. 1st team Pro Bowl defensive end Amare Barno leads a rotation of young and athletic pass rushers.
- Projected Rotation:
- Amare Barno (75 OVR) – Speedy edge rusher with excellent burst.
- DJ Johnson (72 OVR) – A power rusher who fits well in pass-rushing packages.
- Robert Beal Jr. (70 OVR) – A developmental edge rusher with upside.
- Darryl Peterson (78 OVR) – 6th round draft pick standout with strong finesse moves and versatility.
Linebackers
The linebacker group is led by Trevin Wallace, with athletic depth players adding versatility.
- Projected Starters:
- MLB: Trevin Wallace, Micah McFadden
- OLB: Amari Burney, Eric Gentry
- Depth:
Chad Muma, Kwon Alexander, Deion Jones
Secondary
The secondary blends experience and youth, with rookie Tony Grimes expected to see significant snaps in the slot.
- Projected Starters:
- CB: Brandon Stephens, Chidobe Awuzie
- Slot CB: Tony Grimes
- FS: Toriano Pride Jr.
- SS: Jason Marshall Jr.
- Depth:
Shyheim Brown, Joshua Williams, Jacob Covington, Jason Pinnock
IR Option: Jacob Covington or Mike Jackson could move to IR for further development.
Special Teams
- K: Cade York – Reliable kicker with a strong leg for long field goals.
- P: Blake Gillikin – A consistent punter with good placement and distance.
- Return Specialist: Arian Smith
Final Adjustments for 53-Man Roster
With over 53 players currently listed, the Panthers must make some tough cuts to finalize the 53-man roster. Bru McCoy, Jacobe Covington, and Cameron Fleming are the most likely candidates for IR or release, creating room for flexibility while preserving long-term potential.
This final roster combines star power, depth, and developmental talent, positioning the Panthers as strong contenders in the NFC South for 2026!
