The Carolina Panthers are entering the 2026 season with a deep and competitive roster, featuring a blend of proven veterans, rising stars, and promising rookies. As training camp heats up, several key positional battles will determine the final 53-man roster and the depth chart heading into the season. Here’s a breakdown of the most intriguing camp battles to watch.
1. Backup Quarterback: Malik Willis vs. Alex Orji
With Bryce Young cemented as the franchise quarterback, the focus shifts to his understudies. Malik Willis, an athletic veteran, provides mobility and experience but has struggled with consistency as a passer. On the other hand, rookie Alex Orji offers tantalizing upside as a dual-threat quarterback. This battle will hinge on who demonstrates better command of the offense in preseason games, with Orji potentially edging out Willis due to his developmental potential.
Prediction: Willis earns the QB2 spot for immediate readiness, but Orji secures QB3 for long-term development.
2. Third Running Back: Kaden Feagin vs. Rashad Amos
Jonathan Brooks and Ashton Jeanty are firmly established as the Panthers’ primary running backs, but the battle for the third spot offers an intriguing clash of skill sets. Rookie Kaden Feagin, a powerful downhill runner, was drafted to add physicality to the backfield. Meanwhile, Rashad Amos is being groomed for the Taysom Hill role, showcasing versatility as a runner, receiver, and even a potential passer. The coaching staff may lean toward Amos for his flexibility, but Feagin’s value in short-yardage situations can’t be ignored and he was picked early for a reason.
Prediction: Both players make the roster, with Amos listed as a FB behind Taysom Hill and Feagin starting the season in the RB3 spot.
3. Slot Wide Receiver: Kadarius Toney vs. Arian Smith
Xavier Legette and Travis Hunter anchor the receiving corps, but the slot receiver role is up for grabs. Kadarius Toney, a shifty veteran, excels in creating separation and making plays after the catch. Arian Smith, a speedster with elite acceleration, offers big-play potential and additional value as a return specialist. The coaching staff will need to decide between Toney’s reliability and Smith’s explosiveness.
Prediction: Toney wins the slot role due to his experience, while Smith carves out a role as a gadget player and return specialist.
4. Tight End: Ja’Tavion Sanders vs. Daniel Bellinger
Behind Chase Claypool, the tight end group features a heated battle for the TE2 spot. Ja’Tavion Sanders is a young, athletic pass-catcher who offers upside in the receiving game. In contrast, Daniel Bellinger is a steady blocker with decent receiving ability. This competition will likely come down to team needs—do the Panthers prioritize offensive versatility or a balanced skill set?
Prediction: Bellinger wins the TE2 role due to his blocking ability, while Sanders makes the roster as a situational receiving threat.
5. Edge Rush Rotation: Amare Barno vs. DJ Johnson vs. Robert Beal vs. Adetomiwa Adebawore
The Panthers’ edge rush group is loaded with young talent and speed, making this one of the most competitive position battles in camp. Amare Barno leads the pack with his elite athleticism and quickness off the edge. DJ Johnson offers power and physicality, while Robert Beal and Adetomiwa Adebawore bring developmental upside. The coaching staff will likely rotate all four players in preseason games to determine the best mix of pass-rush specialists and run defenders.
Prediction: Barno and Johnson emerge as the primary edge rushers, with Beal and Adebawore securing depth roles as rotational pieces.
6. Slot Cornerback: Tony Grimes vs. Jacobe Covington
Rookie Tony Grimes enters camp with the potential to lock down the slot corner role thanks to his quickness and instincts. Jacobe Covington, however, offers size and versatility, making him a valuable backup on the outside as well. This battle will likely come down to who performs better in man-to-man coverage during preseason games.
Prediction: Grimes wins the slot role, while Covington provides depth on the outside.
7. Backup Offensive Line Spots
The starting offensive line is set, but depth roles are still being contested. Veterans like Cameron Fleming, Donovan Smith, and Jon Feliciano bring experience, while rookie Keiondre Jones offers developmental potential. With limited roster spots, a backup lineman could be placed on IR for a developmental season.
Prediction: Fleming and Feliciano secure spots due to their versatility, while Jones makes the roster as a developmental guard.
8. Backup Safety: Shyheim Brown vs. Chau Smith-Wade
The safety group is headlined by Jason Marshall Jr. and Toriano Pride Jr., but the battle for backup spots is competitive. Rookie Shyheim Brown brings physicality and tackling ability, while Chau Smith-Wade offers better coverage skills. Special teams contributions could be the deciding factor.
Prediction: Brown edges out Smith-Wade due to his ability to play in the box, though both players remain valuable special teams contributors.
9. Developmental IR Candidates
With the current roster at 76 players, an injury designation will be necessary to finalize the 53-man roster. Likely candidates include depth players such as Bru McCoy (WR), Jacob Covington (CB), or Cameron Fleming (OL). An IR designation would allow the team to retain these players for future development without sacrificing immediate roster flexibility.
Prediction: Bru McCoy is placed on IR, allowing the Panthers to keep depth at other positions.
Key Preseason Battles to Watch
- Backup QB: How does Orji’s athleticism stack up against Willis’ experience?
- RB3 vs. FB2: Can first round pick Kaden Feagin fend off the versatile Amos?
- Edge Rush Rotation: Which combination of Barno, Johnson, Beal, and Adebawore shines brightest in the preseason?
- Slot Cornerback: Does Grimes’ quickness outperform Covington’s size and versatility?
Final Thoughts
These camp battles reflect the depth and talent the Panthers have cultivated over the past few seasons. The competition not only sharpens the roster but ensures the best 53 players take the field in Week 1. With positional flexibility and young potential, the Panthers are poised to be a force in the NFC South in 2026.
