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The Carolina Panthers are currently in the middle of their summer break. After hitting the practice field in Uptown Charlotte for organized team activities and mandatory minicamp to close out the spring, the reigning NFC South champions are taking a bit of a breather before the the work heats up—literally and figuratively.
In a little less than three weeks, training camp will commence—with rookies reporting on July 21 and veterans following on July 22. And while the overarching goal will be to come together to defend their division title in 2026, players will be competing with one another to make the active roster in the fall.
So, what's the outlook like ahead of camp?
Here are our current projections for the Panthers' initial 53-man roster . . .
Dave Canales kept two quarterbacks into September in both of his first two seasons as head coach. That shouldn't change, even though Young's backup has—with Pickett taking the spot of 38-year-old Andy Dalton.
The only battle here is between a returning Will Grier and undrafted free-agent signee Haynes King—for a spot on the practice squad.
"Quad King" AJ Dillon may be piquing some interest given the offense's lack of short-yardage options. But that shouldn't be enough to dedicate a fourth spot to the running back room, which may soon be taken over by Brooks.
Moore will be around as long as Canales is running the show. So the last few spots in this group will likely come down to Tremayne, Horn and John Metchie III.
Tremayne's size (6-foot-4, 212 pounds) and special teams prowess is quite valued by the staff. He gets in while Horn and Metchie, in a fight about who can provide a little something extra, duke it out for the seventh jersey.
Carolina kept four tight ends in 2025. But that decision had much to do with Tremble's recovery from offseason back surgery.
Although Feleipe Franks would be the first man out, he will make a strong case to stay with his ability on special teams.
Physically unable to perform list: Ikem Ekwonu
Free agent Brady Christensen might be a wild-card contender for the offensive trench. If he's cleared from his Achilles tear at the start of camp, he could rejoin the roster and knock off Forsythe given his extreme versatility and familiarity with the unit.
Physically unable to perform list: Tershawn Wharton
Ray has some trust from defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero, having appeared in 46 games over his three seasons. He may, though, have to fend off rookie Aaron Hall—who may be another undrafted gem found by general manager Dan Morgan.
Even after pouring a four-year, $120 million contract into the room, the Panthers keep some extra juice off the edge with Gipson.
Like they did at outside linebacker, Carolina reeled in a big fish at inside linebacker with Lloyd. The 2025 Pro Bowler has some questionable depth behind him, however.
Evans may be more important than many believe. He's a solid special teamer and provides depth on the outside, a plus considering Horn's extensive injury history.
Cult favorite Isaiah Simmons just misses our cut. And if he actually does, don't discount a quick return back to the practice squad as a vested veteran.
Fitzgerald, Martin and Jansen do not (and probably will not) have to face any competition this summer.
Follow @ThePanthersWire on Twitter/X for more Panthers content.
This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: Projecting the Panthers' 53-man roster ahead of 2026 training camp
Continue reading...
In a little less than three weeks, training camp will commence—with rookies reporting on July 21 and veterans following on July 22. And while the overarching goal will be to come together to defend their division title in 2026, players will be competing with one another to make the active roster in the fall.
So, what's the outlook like ahead of camp?
Here are our current projections for the Panthers' initial 53-man roster . . .
Quarterback (2)
- Bryce Young
- Kenny Pickett
Dave Canales kept two quarterbacks into September in both of his first two seasons as head coach. That shouldn't change, even though Young's backup has—with Pickett taking the spot of 38-year-old Andy Dalton.
The only battle here is between a returning Will Grier and undrafted free-agent signee Haynes King—for a spot on the practice squad.
Running back (3)
- Chuba Hubbard
- Jonathon Brooks
- Trevor Etienne
"Quad King" AJ Dillon may be piquing some interest given the offense's lack of short-yardage options. But that shouldn't be enough to dedicate a fourth spot to the running back room, which may soon be taken over by Brooks.
Wide receiver (7)
- Tetairoa McMillan
- Jalen Coker
- Xavier Legette
- Chris Brazzell II
- David Moore
- Brycen Tremayne
- Jimmy Horn Jr.
Moore will be around as long as Canales is running the show. So the last few spots in this group will likely come down to Tremayne, Horn and John Metchie III.
Tremayne's size (6-foot-4, 212 pounds) and special teams prowess is quite valued by the staff. He gets in while Horn and Metchie, in a fight about who can provide a little something extra, duke it out for the seventh jersey.
Tight end (3)
- Tommy Tremble
- Ja'Tavion Sanders
- Mitchell Evans
Carolina kept four tight ends in 2025. But that decision had much to do with Tremble's recovery from offseason back surgery.
Although Feleipe Franks would be the first man out, he will make a strong case to stay with his ability on special teams.
Offensive line (9)
- Rasheed Walker
- Damien Lewis
- Luke Fortner
- Robert Hunt
- Taylor Moton
- Monroe Freeling
- Sam Hecht
- Chandler Zavala
- Stone Forsythe
Physically unable to perform list: Ikem Ekwonu
Free agent Brady Christensen might be a wild-card contender for the offensive trench. If he's cleared from his Achilles tear at the start of camp, he could rejoin the roster and knock off Forsythe given his extreme versatility and familiarity with the unit.
Defensive line (5)
- Derrick Brown
- Bobby Brown III
- Lee Hunter
- Cam Jackson
- LaBryan Ray
Physically unable to perform list: Tershawn Wharton
Ray has some trust from defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero, having appeared in 46 games over his three seasons. He may, though, have to fend off rookie Aaron Hall—who may be another undrafted gem found by general manager Dan Morgan.
Outside linebacker (6)
- Jaelan Phillips
- Nic Scourton
- Pat Jones II
- Princely Umanmielen
- Thomas Incoom
- Trevis Gipson
Even after pouring a four-year, $120 million contract into the room, the Panthers keep some extra juice off the edge with Gipson.
Inside linebacker (5)
- Devin Lloyd
- Trevin Wallace
- Claudin Cherelus
- Bam Martin-Scott
- Jackson Kuwatch
Like they did at outside linebacker, Carolina reeled in a big fish at inside linebacker with Lloyd. The 2025 Pro Bowler has some questionable depth behind him, however.
Cornerback (6)
- Jaycee Horn
- Mike Jackson
- Corey Thornton
- Will Lee III
- Chau Smith-Wade
- Akayleb Evans
Evans may be more important than many believe. He's a solid special teamer and provides depth on the outside, a plus considering Horn's extensive injury history.
Safety (4)
- Tre'von Moehrig
- Nick Scott
- Lathan Ransom
- Zakee Wheatley
Cult favorite Isaiah Simmons just misses our cut. And if he actually does, don't discount a quick return back to the practice squad as a vested veteran.
Special teams (3)
- Ryan Fitzgerald
- Sam Martin
- JJ Jansen
Fitzgerald, Martin and Jansen do not (and probably will not) have to face any competition this summer.
Follow @ThePanthersWire on Twitter/X for more Panthers content.
This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: Projecting the Panthers' 53-man roster ahead of 2026 training camp
Continue reading...
