2026 NFL Draft: Active Panthers GM Dan Morgan prepared to make more deals, ‘ready for all scenarios’

TL;DR

Carolina Panthers GM Dan Morgan is preparing for the 2026 NFL Draft with a focus on making deals and a 'best-player available' strategy. The team, coming off an 8-9 season and an NFC South title, has minimal roster needs aside from depth at safety and offensive tackle.

2026 NFL Draft: Active Panthers GM Dan Morgan prepared to make more deals, ‘ready for all scenarios’ originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Carolina Panthers general manager Dan Morgan enters the 2026 NFL Draft in unfamiliar territory.

The rebuilding franchise finished 8-9 last season but captured the NFC South title and reached the playoffs for the first time since 2017. The front office signed at least four starters through free agency.

For a change, Morgan said he enters the draft's Top 30 visits with a "best-player available mindset," Morgan said.

The projected 53-man roster doesn't appear to have any glaring needs, sans additional starting-level depth at safety and offensive tackle. Morgan on Tuesday mentioned both positions, among other during his pre-draft press conference at Bank of America Stadium.

Entering his third season with the Panthers, Morgan and coach Dave Canales continue to develop the team culture. An active, targeted trader during his first two seasons, Morgan is "ready for all scenarios" during the three-day NFL Draft, slated to kick off April 23 in Pittsburgh.

Is Panthers GM Dan Morgan ready to deal?

Morgan is credited with executing seven trades the previous two seasons, including a 2024 first-round deal that moved the Panthers into position to pick wide receiver Xavier Legette.

After selecting wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan No. 8 overall in 2025, Morgan on Tuesday didn't rule out drafting another wideout in the first round April 23.

The Panthers possess seven picks in the upcoming event. Multiple teams corralled multiple first- and second-round picks, indicating a series of front offices could be willing to move assets.

"We're always going to be watching the board, seeing guys fall off the board and as they fall off the board, if we feel like we need to make a move because maybe there's one person at a position that we really like that's left, then we'll make a move."

Q&A

What is Dan Morgan's strategy for the 2026 NFL Draft?

Dan Morgan's strategy for the 2026 NFL Draft is to adopt a 'best-player available' mindset while being open to making trades.

How did the Carolina Panthers perform last season?

The Carolina Panthers finished the 2022 season with an 8-9 record, winning the NFC South title and making the playoffs for the first time since 2017.

What positions does the Panthers GM identify as needing depth?

Dan Morgan identified safety and offensive tackle as positions where the Panthers could use additional starting-level depth.