Mailbag: Which position group should Panthers upgrade next in free agency?
The Panthers have done a lot of heavy lifting over the past week. And while the free-agency frenzy has created a buzz in Carolina, fans are still curious about what’s to come.
That’s why The Charlotte Observer has brought back the Monday mailbag to answer the Carolina faithful’s questions.
Here are some standout questions from various platforms:
The Panthers can get better here ...
Joe R on X asks: What position would acquiring an average to above average starter make the biggest impact in this team’s ascension?
Safety. Even with Nick Scott back on a one-year deal, the Panthers should look to find a third starting-caliber safety who can play all three spots in the “big” nickel package, but more ideally handle the “post” position in base personnel.
The Panthers feel good about Tre’von Moehrig and Lathan Ransom. But they need a trio to operate their popular three-safety package effectively. Scott was solid in 2026, but the Panthers can afford to improve on the back end.
One answer could be on the roster in cornerback Chau Smith-Wade, who moved to the position at times last year. However, they would then need a starting-caliber nickel corner.
The options, though, at both positions are quite limited in free agency.
Future of tight end
Stranded on Revis Island on BlueSky asks: Will they address tight end in the draft or are they in hunt for David Njoku? Do they believe in Ja’Tavion Sanders still?
The tight-end market is filled with older veterans. And this team wants to contend long-term in the division.
So, the logical move would be to turn to the draft, and there’s a strong possibility that the Panthers will do just that. They’ll also have quite a few options, as this draft class is considered to be relatively strong at the position.
Regarding Sanders, he’s recovering from an ankle injury that required surgery. So, the Panthers need to plan accordingly, similar to their dealings with left tackle Ickey Ekwonu and running back Jonathon Brooks.
The read here is that they will add some juice to the position, one way or another, but most likely in April.
The quest for depth
Cardiac Panthers on X asks: Seems like Panthers still need to add competition at many positions on the roster (OT, C, TE, WR, pretty much every defensive position). What position group are they most likely not to address for the rest of the off-season outside of running back?
Sleeping on a running back move could lead to some surprise later in the offseason, CP.
With Brooks coming off back-to-back ACL surgeries, it’d be logical to safeguard that position behind Chuba Hubbard and Trevor Etienne.
In each of the past two offseasons, the Panthers have invested draft picks in the position, and they could go for the trifecta in April.
There’s also reason to believe they could sign a cheap veteran on a one-year deal, similar to how they landed Rico Dowdle last offseason. Brian Robinson and Zamir White both have notable experience, and they remain unsigned as of Monday.
As far as positions they are likely to avoid, kicker and long snapper top the list. But regarding a non-specialist position, they probably feel pretty good about guard right now. Nose tackle, too, is a spot with varying depth.
Otherwise, it’s open season for improvement and double-dipping.
Some draft talk
Czech Panthers asks: I am struggling with the idea of Kenyon Sadiq at #19. How impactful can a TE be in Panther’s offense? I think a field stretcher (à la Jordyn Tyson) makes more sense (if you’re comparing pass catcher options). Your thoughts?
Well, there’s a chance that Sadiq doesn’t fall to No. 19. So, any debate over a tight end at that spot could be null and void.
However, playmaking comes in all different facets and creates different opportunities. Sadiq being a threat across the middle could lead to more open space down the field for Tetairoa McMillan and Jalen Coker to roam.
Defenses can only double cover so many weapons, and those who get single coverage can take advantage.
McMillan and Coker aren’t deep threats, but they have excellent body control and play to their respective sizes down the field. If they can catch 30-yard jump balls, they’ll essentially serve as deep threats in the offense.
That said, it makes sense to want a natural burner in this offense.
Jimmy Horn and John Metchie are more quick than fast and are probably best served as underneath weapons. So, to Czech Panthers’ point, the offense lacks that true “go ball” weapon.
Could the Panthers draft a wide receiver in the first round for a third consecutive year? While that probably seems a bit overzealous on paper, it’s hard to put it past them.
They’ve already greatly upgraded the outside and inside linebacker depth charts in free agency. And they just signed left tackle Rasheed Walker.
So, if the best player available is someone like K.C. Concepcion — who grew up in Charlotte and starred at Chambers High — then maybe they take the leap.
Morgan isn’t afraid to lean on his wide receiver-friendly coaching staff when it comes to development. Since head coach Dave Canales, offensive coordinator Brad Idzik and wide receivers coach Rob Moore arrived in 2024, the Panthers have drafted McMillan, Horn and Xavier Legette and signed Coker.
For the most part, that’s worked out.
