The Carolina Panthers are currently enjoying their bye week, and there's a lot to unpack from the first four games of the 2026 campaign.
Head coach Dave Canales' squad is 2-2. There have been ups and downs, but given the injury problems this squad is dealing with, keeping their heads above water was the primary objective.
They have successfully achieved that. And even though the schedule will get a lot tougher after the extended rest period, there have been far more positives than negatives so far.
Hopefully, this trend continues, because the Panthers have the talent to match anyone on their best day.
That's for the near future. For now, here are four winners and two losers from Carolina's opening month of the campaign.
Winners and losers from the Carolina Panthers' first four games of 2026
Winner: Bryce Young, QB
The Panthers gave quarterback Bryce Young the opportunity to earn a lucrative contract extension this season. General manager Dan Morgan knew it might cost them more, but he wasn't fully convinced yet.
That mindset should have changed now.
Young has been nothing short of exceptional to begin the season. Through four games, he led the league in passing yards and looks much more in command under center. MVP chants rang around Bank of America Stadium on Sunday Night Football, and if the same trend continues, the Alabama product is going to get paid.
Loser: Luke Fortner, C
Carolina trusted veteran center Luke Fortner to fill the void left by Cade Mays, who left for the Detroit Lions in free agency. The Panthers drafted Sam Hecht in the fifth round as a potential long-term option. But unless the free-agent acquisition steps things up after the bye week, the rookie may be needed sooner than expected.
Fortner just doesn't look comfortable. He's flashed moments of steadiness, but it's been a clear downgrade from Mays. If Hecht is showing enough in practice, he could get a promotion soon.
Winner: Tetairoa McMillan, WR
After winning AP Offensive Rookie of the Year, wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan is looking to take the next step into one of the league's best this time around. Through four games, he is the most prolific pass-catcher that nobody is talking about.
McMillan is so smooth. He's an elite separator who makes ridiculous catches look routine. His chemistry with Young is first-class, and the Arizona product has the flair for the big occasion.
Simply put, the Panthers have a superstar on their hands.
Winner: Devin Lloyd, LB
It's been a long time since the Panthers have had a dominant linebacker to set the tone. They now boast one after signing second-team All-Pro Devin Lloyd from the Jacksonville Jaguars in free agency.
Lloyd missed one game due to injury, but he's been an absolute revelation overall. He's a physical, instinctive force who impacts proceedings at all three levels of the field. His partnership with Bobby Okereke is precisely what the Panthers needed, and this was money extremely well spent by the franchise.
Loser: Robert Hunt, OL
It's not been the start anyone envisioned for Robert Hunt. He was nothing short of outstanding over his first two years in Carolina, but unfortunately, there have been clear signs of regression over the first four games.
Hunt's explosiveness off the snap has waned. He isn't pushing the pile effectively against the run, and the Louisiana product is struggling to mirror interior rushers in pass protection.
Hopefully, some time to restock at the bye will serve him well, because the Panthers need him at peak performance without left guard Damien Lewis to depend on.
Winner: Lee Hunter, DL
The Panthers have asked a lot from rookie second-round pick Lee Hunter to begin the season. He earned the starting nose tackle job on Ejiro Evero's 3-4 front, and with Bobby Brown III in and out of the lineup, the Texas Tech product is an integral piece of the puzzle.
Hunter has had times of struggle, but they're fleeting. His strength, speed, and surprising athleticism have caught the eye so far. The interior lineman looks comfortable and could be a legitimate long-term cornerstone if he continues to develop.
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