The Carolina Panthers have had an eventful season so far. A lackluster start to the campaign led head coach Dave Canales to take drastic action, firing defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero and pass-game coordinator Jonathan Cooley, and injuries have also hurt the team's ambitions.
Despite this, the Panthers are still leading the NFC South. That doesn't say much about the rest of the division, but it shows they are not out of the fight by any stretch of the imagination.
If they want to make the desired improvements, it must be a collective effort. The highs are high, and the lows are low, but finding a happy medium will be key. If Canales can do that, the Panthers have a shot at retaining their divisional crown.
With that in mind, here are four Panthers players who are quietly growing much harder to replace this season, for very different reasons.
Carolina Panthers players who are quietly growing harder to replace
Tershawn Wharton, DL
The Panthers were probably expecting more from Tershawn Wharton after giving him a sizable contract in 2025 free agency. It's been a luckless run on the injury front, but the defensive lineman is now back and making his presence felt.
Wharton is finding his feet. This was always going to take time, especially after a neck problem that was serious enough to require surgery. But his strength, explosiveness off the snap, and relentless pursuit should be a major asset the rest of the way.
Carolina's defense could look a little different after firing Evero. But for Wharton, his task is to perform well and cement his importance heading into the final year of his deal.
Tommy Tremble, TE
This was a big year for Tommy Tremble. The tight end entered the final season of his second contract in Carolina with a point to prove, and this urgency has been evident over the Panthers' first seven games.
Tremble is evolving as a pass-catcher. He's always had the athleticism to do more, but consistency was lacking earlier in his career. These problems are being rectified, and quarterback Bryce Young is starting to trust the Notre Dame product more as a highly productive tight end tandem with Darren Waller.
Couple that with his exceptional blocking, and Tremble is on course for another extension in Carolina when the 2027 offseason arrives.
Bobby Okereke, LB
The Panthers brought Bobby Okereke into the franchise just before final cuts. Fans were skeptical, but it hasn't taken long for the veteran linebacker to become a valuable asset to a defense that has been up and down so far this season.
Okereke is a tackling machine. He's creating turnovers, and his partnership with Devin Lloyd at the defensive second level is the best Carolina has had in years.
Evero and Cooley were fired, and Todd Wash is now taking over the defense. If he wants this opportunity to go well, the interim must be heavily reliant on Okereke and Lloyd to lead the charge.
Ikem Ekwonu, OT
Left tackle Ikem Ekwonu has not played this season as he continues to recover from a torn patellar tendon. And yet, he's become even more important to Carolina's future without a regular-season down to his name.
The Panthers' offensive line is facing major issues. Injuries and underperformance have seen this once area of strength become a glaring weak link, and veteran left tackle Rasheed Walker has become a complete liability on the blindside.
Ekwonu's stock has soared in his absence. And if his knee injury has no lingering effects, the 2022 first-round pick out of North Carolina State should be a core part of the team's long-term plans.
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