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NFL
ESPN identifies Panthers' biggest roster hole for 2026 NFL season
TL;DR
The Carolina Panthers' biggest roster hole for the 2026 NFL season is at running back, following the departure of Rico Dowdle. Despite a strong start last season, their run offense declined significantly in the latter half of the year.
Key points
- Carolina Panthers won their first division title in 10 years
- General manager Dan Morgan improved the roster significantly
- Biggest roster hole is at running back for the 2026 season
- Rico Dowdle left in free agency
- Chuba Hubbard struggled last season with a low avoided tackle rate
Carolina Panthers
The Carolina Panthers are coming off their first division title in 10 years, and finally look to be ready to compete with true playoff contenders again. Credit general manager Dan Morgan for building up the roster, which has transformed from the worst in the NFL a few years ago to an above-average group going into 2026.
But where do they need to improve most as they try to defend their NFC South crown?
According to Aaron Schatz at ESPN, the Panthers' biggest roster hole this year is at running back. Schatz writes:
The Panthers let Rico Dowdle leave in free agency and are planning to start Chuba Hubbard, who was excellent in 2024 but last year had the lowest avoided tackle rate among backs with at least 100 carries, according to FTN charting... Carolina ranked ninth in run offense DVOA for the first half of the season, but only 22nd from Week 10 onward.
Hubbard, the projected starter for 2026, did have a down 2025 season—running for just 3.8 yards per carry. And after watching Dowdle sign away to Pittsburgh, Carolina will be rolling ahead with Jonathon Brooks—who is returning from a second ACL tear—as their backup.
Q&A
What is the Carolina Panthers' biggest roster need for the 2026 NFL season?
The Panthers need to improve their running back position for the 2026 NFL season.
Why did the Panthers struggle in their run offense last season?
The Panthers ranked ninth in run offense DVOA in the first half of the season but fell to 22nd from Week 10 onward.
Who is expected to start at running back for the Panthers in 2026?
Chuba Hubbard is expected to start at running back for the Panthers in 2026.
