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With the Panthers offseason underway and free agency just a few weeks away, let’s take a look at some of the areas on the roster that Dan Morgan and Brandt Tillis have to address this offseason. Instead of looking at the entire roster, we are going to break the list down by position group. For the projected market value, I’ll be using Spotrac’s numbers. If you don’t agree with how much a player might get in free agency, take it up with them, not me. This week’s focus will be on the wide receivers.
2025 Performance
As usual, Derrick Brown was the best interior defensive lineman for the Panthers last season. Brown set a career high with six sacks, which helped him earn a 72.9 overall grade according to PFF. A’Shawn Robinson, who may be a cap casualty this year, was also solid for the defense and managed a 63.7 overall grade. The next highest snap total for the Panthers defensive line was actually Tershawn Wharton despite his injury issues. His limited availability likely led to his subpar performance (43 overall grade), which was especially disappointing considering he was one of the premier free agent acquisitions last offseason. Bobby Brown III was the final main rotation piece at interior defensive line, and he was okay.
The remaining interior lineman who logged defensive snaps were rookie Cam Jackson, LaBryan Ray, and Jaden Crumedy. None of those players made huge impacts in their limited snaps, and Crumedy was even stolen off the Panthers practice squad by the Packers. While Jackson showed some promise, I don’t think he should be relied on to play meaningful snaps on defense next season.
Panthers’ Free Agents (with Spotrac expected market value)
LaBryan Ray (RFA)
Ray is the only interior defensive lineman the Panthers could lose this offseason, though they can tender a contract and then match any offer made by another team. Basically, if they want Ray back he will likely be back.
Other Teams’ Free Agents (with Spotrac expected market value)
Calais Campbell, Arizona Cardinals ($10.9M)
Logan Hall, Tampa Bay ($7.98M)
Roy Lopez, Detroit Lions ($6.36M)
DJ Reader, Detroit Lions ($3.87M)
Shy Tuttle, Washington Commanders ($1.95M)
DaQuan Jones, Buffalo Bills ($1.78M)
If the Panthers decide to keep both A’Shawn Robinson and LaBryan Ray, I don’t see them adding to this position group in free agency. Losing either or both of those players would create a need to at least kick the tires on some of these lower cost players, though the Panthers also really like Jared Harrison-Hunte and will likely want to get him on the field more in 2026. Campbell will likely finish his career in Arizona, and the Panthers don’t have the cap space to spend that much on what would be a luxury free agent addition considering the team’s other needs. If the team wants to save money by cutting Robinson, I could see them bringing in one of the former Panthers on a much cheaper contract.