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Dec 28, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers running back Rico Dowdle (5) runs the ball against Seattle Seahawks defensive tackle Jarran Reed (90) during the third quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

The Panthers' leading rusher in 2025 can test the open market next month.

Dec 28, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers running back Rico Dowdle (5) runs the ball against Seattle Seahawks defensive tackle Jarran Reed (90) during the third quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

The Panthers' leading rusher in 2025 can test the open market next month.

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Nov 3, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys defensive end Jadeveon Clowney (42) celebrates after he sacks Arizona Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett (7) during the game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Arizona Cardinals at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

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Bringing back the veteran pass rusher would be a huge get for the Panthers' defense.

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) runs for yardage during the second quarter against the Carolina Panthers

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Rico Dowdle's latest landing spot? Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs.

Jan 8, 2026; Glendale, AZ, USA; Miami Hurricanes defensive lineman Akheem Mesidor (3) against the Mississippi Rebels during the 2026 Fiesta Bowl and semifinal game of the College Football Playoff at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

The Panthers could opt for a very experienced pass rusher in the first round in April.

Jan 10, 2026; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) reacts in the fourth quarter in an NFC Wild Card Round game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

One NFL writer speculates that the Panthers could pick up a veteran tight end for a Day 3 pick in April.

Sep 21, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers center Cade Mays (64) on the sidelines in the fourth quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

The Panthers' offensive line will be at the center of attention this offseason.

Jan 9, 2026; Atlanta, GA, USA; Oregon Ducks tight end Kenyon Sadiq (18) runs against Indiana Hoosiers linebacker Isaiah Jones (46)during the first quarter of the 2025 Peach Bowl and semifinal game of the College Football Playoff at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Imagesf

Dave Canales's team could certainly use a playmaker at the tight end position.

Jan 10, 2026; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan (4) reacts with wide receiver Jalen Coker (18) in the second half during the NFC Wild Card Round game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

Could Carolina have another wideout on its mind on April 23?

Dec 21, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Rachaad White (1) with the ball in the third quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

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Carolina would have a strong rotation in the backfield if they could land this playmaker.

Dec 31, 2025; Arlington, TX, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Sonny Styles (0) gets into position during the 2025 Cotton Bowl and quarterfinal game of the College Football Playoff at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Carolina Panthers general manager Dan Morgan could trade up in the 2026 NFL Draft to draft Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Sonny Styles in the first round.

Dec 21, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers cornerback Mike Jackson (2) talks to an assistant coach in the second quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

Panthers' CB Mike Jackson enjoyed a banner year in 2025.

November 24, 2025; Santa Clara, California, USA; Carolina Panthers offensive tackle Taylor Moton (72) during the fourth quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images

Tackle Taylor Moton is an unsung star on the Panthers' offensive line.

Jan 11, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry (22) celebrates with tight end Charlie Kolar (88) and center Tyler Linderbaum (64) after scoring a touchdown against Pittsburgh Steelers safety DeShon Elliott (25) in the second quarter in an AFC wild card game at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images

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The Carolina Panthers have to address the center position this offseason.

Jan 10, 2026; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers cornerback Mike Jackson (2) reacts in the fourth quarter in an NFC Wild Card Round game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

Carolina's playoff loss to the Rams featured some strong individual performances by the Panthers.

Carolina Panthers head coach Dave Canales on the field in the second quarter

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Expect Dave Canales to stick around for a while.

Feb 8, 2026; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Carolina Panthers former player Luke Kuechly stands on the field before the start of the second quarter in Super Bowl LX between the New England Patriots and the Seattle Seahawks at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

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The Panthers legend recalls one of the toughest decisions of his life.

Oct 19, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Leo Chenal (54) runs onto the field during player introductions prior to the game against the Las Vegas Raiders at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

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Making this move would go a long way in fixing Carolina's issues in the second level.

Nov 24, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson (87) is tackled after a catch by Chicago Bears linebacker T.J. Edwards (53) and middle linebacker Tremaine Edmunds (49) during overtime at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Bartel-Imagn Images

Could Panthers' GM go shopping in free agency for linebacker help once again?

Dec 20, 2025; College Station, TX, USA; Texas A&M Aggies defensive end Cashius Howell (9) lines up during the game between the Aggies and the Hurricanes at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Could GM Dan Morgan have another Texas A&M defenderon his radar?

May 20, 2025; El Segundo, CA, USA; Los Angeles Chargers running back Najee Harris (22) catches the ball during offseason workouts at The Bolt. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

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The former Steelers and Chargers running back could be a good fit in Carolina.

Sep 14, 2025; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins linebacker Bradley Chubb (2) takes the field for a game against the New England Patriots at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

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Could the Panthers land this recently released big fish?

Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Carson Beck (15) is pressured by Florida Gators defensive lineman Caleb Banks (88) during the third quarter of an NCAA football game Saturday, Oct. 28, 2023 at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla. Georgia defeated Florida 43-20.

Yet another mock draft has the NFC South champs opting for interior defensive line help.

Nov 22, 2025; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Missouri Tigers linebacker Josiah Trotter (40) reacts during the first quarter against the Oklahoma Sooners at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

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A new batch of Carolina Panthers picks for the 2026 NFL draft.

Feb 2, 2026; San Francisco, CA, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Devin Lloyd (0) during AFC practice at the NFL Flag Fieldhouse at Moscone Center South Building. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

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The Panthers may have to search elsewhere for help in the second level.

Jan 10, 2026; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers wide receiver Jalen Coker (18) during pregame warm ups before the NFC Wild Card Round game between the Carolina Panthers and the Los Angeles Rams at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

Could the Panthers lock up WR Jalen Coker to a long term deal?