The Carolina Panthers are brimming with confidence heading into the 2026 campaign. But after securing the NFC South championship last season, the pressure is on to take the next step.
That is the challenge head coach Dave Canales and his squad face. They are looking forward to it, but the injuries to key personnel could limit their ability to reach similar heights.
It's a precarious situation, but there's still room to grow.
General manager Dan Morgan strengthened the roster this offseason, and it seems as if complacency hasn't crept into their approach. The Panthers may be division champions, but after eight wins, they still have much more to accomplish.
And the heat is on more than others.
With this in mind, here are five Panthers who could be on the hot seat entering a crucial 2026 season.
Carolina Panthers who are firmly on the hot seat entering a pivotal 2026 season
Xavier Legette, WR
It's now or never for Xavier Legette.
The wide receiver got another reprieve from the Panthers despite another disappointing campaign in 2025. Tetairoa McMillan and Jalen Coker are entrenched as the 1-2 punch, but the season-ending injury to rookie Chris Brazzell II provides an opening for the South Carolina product to become the WR3 once again.
Legette worked hard over the offseason on his physique and technical flaws. There remains optimism in the building, but coming through when it counts is the only thing that matters in Year 3 of his professional career.
Ejiro Evero, DC
The Panthers' defense made some encouraging strides last season. Ejiro Evero was a runner-up for the Las Vegas Raiders' head-coaching gig, so another campaign of growth could be enough to get a top job elsewhere during the 2027 cycle.
And there are no more excuses.
After significant offseason investments, Evero now has everything he needs to make his defense among the league's best. Losing edge rusher Nic Scourton to a torn ACL on the first day of training camp was a blow, but fans expect this group to take a massive leap regardless.
Jonathon Brooks, RB
It's been a frustrating first two seasons for Jonathon Brooks in Carolina. He's barely seen the field after two torn ACLs on the same knee, but there is now a glimmer of hope around his long-term outlook.
Brooks got almost a full offseason of work. He looked sharp and explosive, gradually building confidence while also scoring a preseason touchdown. This was encouraging, but his status for Week 1 against the Chicago Bears is in doubt with general soreness.
The Panthers should be ultra-cautious with Brooks. After all, any more injury complications could see his time with the franchise fizzle out before it begins.
Bobby Brown III, DL
With Tershawn Wharton out until further notice with a neck injury, others on the defensive front have to step up. There is more pressure on Bobby Brown III than most, and the veteran has to come through in a prominent role.
Brown has some useful physical tools. The production was sketchy during his first season with the franchise, but with the player expected to start opposite Derrick Brown as a 3-4 defensive end, he must solidify his side of the edge for this unit to flourish.
Bryce Young, QB
The Panthers have belief in quarterback Bryce Young. But they also want to see a lot more before giving the signal-caller a lucrative contract extension.
That is the incentive for Young this season.
Money will be the furthest thing from his mind right now. Young is focused on the task at hand, leading from the front, and finding the consistency needed to silence his remaining doubters. Anything less, and the Panthers may hold off on giving him a much bigger financial commitment.
Add us as a preferred source on Google