Ranking 5 Panthers newcomers by potential impact in 2026

Tim Weaver, Panthers WireSat, Jul 11, 2026·2 min read

The Carolina Panthers have entered a new campaign fresh off their first playoff appearance since 2017 and their first division title since 2015. But they aren't resting on their laurels.

If you're not getting better in the NFL, you're getting worse. And the defending NFC South champs seemed to take that sentiment seriously this offseason, where they've made a handful of intriguing additions to improve their roster.

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But which of those additions should help the Panthers most in 2026?

Let's rank the major newcomers by how much of an impact they can make . . .

1. LB Devin Lloyd

Lloyd, a first-time Pro Bowler in 2025, signed a three-year, $42 million deal with Carolina in March. He will function as the team's new defensive centerpiece, and the first respectable one they've had in the post-Luke Kuechly era.

If this signing pays off, Lloyd should have a positive effect in coverage, against the run and rushing the passer.

2. OLB Jaelan Phillips

Speaking of getting to the quarterback, it's the one thing that's been missing from Ejiro Evero's defense. To address that issue, the Panthers paid through the nose to sign Jaelan Phillips on a four-year, $120 million pact—the richest agreement in free agency from this past spring.

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The hope is that the former first-rounder, who ranked ninth in pressures at his position in 2025, will turn around one of the league's most punchless pass rushes.

3. OT Rasheed Walker

The third-biggest free agent move the Panthers made this year was signing Walker, the former starting left tackle for the Green Bay Packers, to a surprisingly small one-year deal worth just $4 million (plus $6 million more in incentives).

For now, he projects as Carolina's new starter on the blindside with Ikem Ekwonu recovering from a torn patellar tendon. Walker will have to hold off first-round draft pick Monroe Freeling to secure that spot, though.

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4. DT Lee Hunter

While Freeling may be coming off the bench as a rookie, that probably won't be the case for Carolina's second-round pick.

Hunter is a powerful 6-foot-4, 321-pound run-swallowing menace who should be able to force his way into the starting lineup with Tershawn Wharton out due to a neck injury.

5. WR Chris Brazzell II

The Panthers used their third-round pick on Brazzell, who racked up over 1,000 receiving yards and nine touchdowns at the University of Tennessee in 2025.

His length, speed and field-stretching ability could eventually earn him a spot in the pecking order above 2024 first-rounder Xavier Legette.

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This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: Ranking 5 Panthers newcomers by potential impact in 2026