Panthers listed among biggest winners of 2026 NFL offseason
The Carolina Panthers shockingly made the playoffs in 2025, and they made some nice moves this offseason to maintain their momentum.
Panthers listed among biggest winners of 2026 NFL offseason originally appeared on The Sporting News . Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here . The Carolina Panthers were one of the surprises of the 2025 season.
Entering that season, many didn't even know if Bryce Young would be the quarterback for long, and almost nobody expected the team to make the postseason. However, the Panthers not only made the postseason, but they won the NFC South and hosted the Los Angeles Rams in a playoff game. The Panthers put up a very respectable fight against the Rams as well, so there's plenty of positive momentum around the franchise.
The Panthers took that momentum and made some very nice moves this offseason. The most notable additions in free agency were linebacker Devin Lloyd, edge rusher Jaelan Phillips, and offensive linemen Luke Fortner and Rasheed Walker. Then, during the 2026 NFL Draft, the Panthers further strengthened the offensive line by taking Monroe Freeling in the first round.
Lee Hunter, taken in the second round, should help the defensive front, and Chris Brazzell is an underrated wide receiver who was added in the third. As a result of these nice moves, Ethan Woodie of NFL Trade Rumors ranked the Panthers as the second-best offseason. Regarding that pick, Woodie offered the following: Former Jaguars LB Devin Lloyd was my favorite free agent signing of the entire cycle, and his addition alone turns the biggest weakness on the roster into one of the team's strengths.