New-look Panthers defense ranked among NFL's top 10 units
The Panthers may have constructed one of the top defenses in the NFL—a thought that was unfathomable just two years ago.
Nowhere is the Carolina Panthers ' progress more apparent than on defense. Just two years ago, this unit was the worst in NFL history—allowing a single-season record of 534 points. Last year, they improved to rank in the middle of the pack.
And now, heading into 2026, they are considered one of the better defensive units in the league. According to a new ranking of the league's top 10 defenses by Ben Arthur at FOX Sports, Carolina's unit is 10th: They added two of the marquee defensive free agents in edge rusher Jaelan Phillips and linebacker Devin Lloyd. Cornerback Jaycee Horn is coming off back-to-back Pro Bowl seasons.
Carolina lost starting defensive tackle A’Shawn Robinson in free agency but essentially replaced him with second-round pick Lee Hunter, who had 10. 5 tackles for loss at Texas Tech last season. Ejiro Evero, one of the NFL’s most respected defensive coordinators, has plenty of talent to work with.
The return of Pro Bowl lineman Derrick Brown was the biggest factor in the Panthers' growth in 2025—where they finished 16th in total defense. He and cornerback Jaycee Horn finally have another all-star to play with at the second level, thanks to the addition of Lloyd . Carolina's off-ball linebacker spots have been a very sore point on this unit for several years running, but mixing in an elite performer like Lloyd should immediately turn that weakness into a strength.