Another 'monster offseason' puts the Panthers in optimistic territory

The Carolina Panthers, at least on paper, have improved as much as any team in the NFL over the last two years. And that's thanks, in large part, to the excellent work that general manager Dan Morgan has done.

Heading into 2026, Bryan DeArdo at CBS Sports has named Carolina's "monster offseason" as the biggest reason to feel optimistic. DeArdo writes:

While it somewhat went under the radar, the Panthers nonetheless had one of the NFL's most successful offseasons. In free agency, they acquired several notable players, including Devin Lloyd and Jaelan Phillips. During the draft, they acquired one of the top-ranked offensive tackle prospects in Monroe Freeling, a potential defensive anchor in defensive tackle Lee Hunter and another target for Bryce Young in Chris Brazzell II...

Carolina's defensive front seven looks to be the most improved unit this year, and is headlined by the additions of pass rusher Jaelan Phillips, Pro Bowl linebacker Devin Lloyd and second-round defensive lineman Lee Hunter. If Phillips can rekindle the fire he had going early in his career in Miami as well, the Panthers should have an above-average group.

Offensively, they've added another potential big piece to their wide receiver corps (third-round wideout Chris Brazzell II) and filled long-term needs at offensive tackle and center—with Monroe Freeling and Sam Hecht.