Panthers’ list of 2026 NFL free agents as Carolina heads into offseason

The Carolina Panthers are facing a crucial offseason as they prepare to address the contracts of their impending free agents following a disappointing wild-card loss to the Los Angeles Rams. The team’s front office will need to carefully assess each player’s value and determine who they can afford to retain, who they may need to let go, and who they may target in free agency. This process can be a daunting task, as the Panthers have a number of key contributors set to hit the open market.

One of the most notable free agents for the Panthers is quarterback Cam Newton. Newton, who has been the face of the franchise for nearly a decade, is coming off a season in which he struggled with injuries and inconsistencies. Despite his former MVP status, the Panthers may be hesitant to commit to Newton long-term given his recent performance. However, Newton’s leadership and experience could still make him a valuable asset for the team moving forward.

Another key free agent for the Panthers is defensive end Mario Addison. Addison has been a consistent pass rusher for the Panthers over the past few seasons, recording double-digit sacks in each of the last four years. His ability to get after the quarterback is a valuable asset for any team, and the Panthers will need to decide if they can afford to keep him or if they will need to look for a replacement in free agency or the draft.

Other notable free agents for the Panthers include cornerback James Bradberry, offensive tackle Daryl Williams, and tight end Greg Olsen. Bradberry has emerged as the Panthers’ top cornerback and will likely command a significant contract on the open market. Williams has been a solid starter on the offensive line when healthy, but injuries have been a concern for him in recent years. Olsen, a fan favorite and long-time leader on the team, may be entering the twilight of his career and could be a candidate for retirement.

In addition to these key players, the Panthers also have a number of role players and depth pieces set to become free agents. Linebacker Shaq Thompson, safety Tre Boston, and wide receiver Jarius Wright are among the players who will need to be evaluated by the Panthers’ front office. These players may not command as much attention as the team’s top free agents, but they still play important roles on the team and will need to be addressed in the offseason.

The Panthers will also need to consider their salary cap situation as they navigate free agency. With several key players set to hit the open market, the team will need to be strategic in how they allocate their resources. This may mean making tough decisions about which players to prioritize and which players to let walk in order to create salary cap space for other needs.

One factor that could impact the Panthers’ decision-making process is the upcoming NFL draft. The Panthers hold the seventh overall pick in the draft, which could give them an opportunity to address some of their needs with young, cost-controlled talent. If the team is able to address key positions in the draft, they may be more willing to let certain free agents walk in order to create cap space for other needs.

Ultimately, the Panthers will need to carefully evaluate each of their free agents and make decisions that are in the best interest of the team’s long-term success. This process will require a delicate balance of retaining key players, addressing needs in free agency, and potentially finding value in the draft. The team’s front office will need to be strategic and proactive in order to build a competitive roster for the 2020 season and beyond.

As the Panthers’ offseason unfolds, fans will be eagerly awaiting news on which free agents the team chooses to retain and which players they may pursue in free agency. The decisions made in the coming months will have a significant impact on the team’s roster and its ability to compete in a highly competitive NFC South division. With key players set to hit the open market, the Panthers’ front office will need to be diligent in their evaluation process and make smart decisions that position the team for success in the future.

In conclusion, the Carolina Panthers are facing a critical offseason as they prepare to address the contracts of their impending free agents following a wild-card loss to the Los Angeles Rams. With key players set to hit the open market, the team will need to carefully evaluate each player’s value and make decisions that are in the best interest of the team’s long-term success. The decisions made in the coming months will have a significant impact on the team’s roster and its ability to compete in a highly competitive NFC South division. Panthers fans will be eagerly awaiting news on which free agents the team chooses to retain and which players they may pursue in free agency. The team’s front office will need to be strategic and proactive in order to build a competitive roster for the 2020 season and beyond.

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Source: Sporting News