The Carolina Panthers aren’t one splash signing away from contention, but they are a few smart, disciplined offseason decisions away from sustained success.
The Carolina Panthers’ 2026 offseason will arrive shortly. When it does, Carolina will have $29–40 million in salary cap space. This can be a rare opportunity for a franchise that has spent recent years chasing fixes instead of building foundations. The next phase of this rebuild will be defined not by headlines, but by restraint: protecting Bryce Young, improving the tight end room, strengthening the offensive line, and preserving a physical, run-first identity.
This isn’t about chasing unrealistic stars or short-term buzz. It’s about identifying players who fit Carolina’s timeline, scheme, and financial reality, while giving measurable on-field value.
These six Offensive targets represent that approach: practical, evidence-backed additions that could help turn the Panthers from a rebuilding team into a functional one.
Isaiah Likely, TE – Baltimore Ravens
Few positions have underperformed for Carolina as consistently as tight end, and Isaiah Likely would immediately raise the floor of the offense.
Likely is a modern, move-style tight end who can align in-line, in the slot, or split wide. In 2025, even while playing behind Baltimore’s Star Tight End Mark Andrews. Likely still produced 22 receptions for 248 yards, averaging 11.3 yards per catch. His ability to create chunk plays on limited volume highlights his efficiency and separation skills.
For a Panthers offense that struggles to generate easy completions, Likely would give Bryce Young a reliable middle-of-the-field option who can turn short throws into meaningful gains. The middle of the field has been an area where the Panthers haven’t taken much advantage of this year. Using a flexible TE will relieve that issue and open things up more for the outside threats in the offense.
Key Stats & Traits
- 2025: 22 receptions, 248 yards, 1 TD
- 11.3 yards per reception
- Alignment versatility (in-line, slot, wide)
- Proven red-zone production (6 TDs in 2024)
- Age: 26
Braden Smith, OT – Indianapolis Colts
The Panthers are serious about protecting and evaluating Bryce Young. Braden Smith offers something Carolina has lacked: consistency.
In 2025, Smith played 766 offensive snaps, allowing just one sack and 26 total pressures across nearly 500 pass-block snaps. His 90%+ pass-block win rate reinforces what the tape shows. Smith remains a dependable edge protector, limiting negative plays.
Carolina doesn’t need perfection at tackle. It needs reliability. Smith provides that immediately.
Key Stats & Traits
- 2025: 766 offensive snaps
- 1 sack allowed, 26 total pressures
- Pass-block win rate above 90%
- Strong anchor vs. power rushers
- Full-time right tackle (765 snaps at RT)
Joel Bitonio, G – Cleveland Browns
Interior offensive line play has been a recurring issue for the Panthers, and Joel Bitonio remains one of the league’s most dependable guards.
In 2025, Bitonio played 910 offensive snaps, allowed one sack, and committed zero penalties. A remarkable level of consistency for a veteran lineman. His pass protection remained elite, surrendering just 27 total pressures on nearly 600 pass-block snaps.
While Bitonio would be a short-term addition, his impact would be immediate. For a young quarterback, interior protection and clean pockets matter, and Bitonio still delivers both.
Key Stats & Traits
- 2025: 910 offensive snaps
- 0 penalties, 1 sack allowed
- Elite pass-protection consistency
- Veteran leadership and communication
- Immediate stabilizer at left guard
Kyle Pitts, TE – Atlanta Falcons
Kyle Pitts remains one of the most intriguing upside bets in the league, and his 2025 production shows why. The big game against the Bucs showed what he can do and provided many fantasy players around the world with a win with his performance.
Despite inconsistent quarterback play and usage, Pitts recorded 73 receptions for 797 yards and 4 touchdowns in 2025. That volume confirms he can still function as a primary option when featured, particularly in the intermediate areas of the field.
At just 25 years old, Pitts’ combination of size, speed, and route-running ability makes him a matchup nightmare when deployed creatively. In Carolina, he wouldn’t need to be the offense, just a dangerous part of it. If Likely can not be an option, the top prior for the Tight End slot should be Pitts.
Key Stats & Traits
- 2025: 73 receptions, 797 yards, 4 TDs
- 97 targets
- Wide receiver–style route tree
- Mismatch vs. linebackers and safeties
- Age: 25
Kenneth Walker III, RB – Seattle Seahawks
The Panthers want to be a physical football team, and Kenneth Walker helps keep that identity.
With Rico Dowdle set to hit free agency in the 2026 offseason, Carolina will need a reliable replacement to pair with Chuba Hubbard. Dowdle is expected to draw significant interest due to his versatility and relatively low wear and tear over the past five seasons, making his return far from guaranteed.
Walker fits cleanly into that role. He’s already accustomed to sharing carries and thriving in a committee backfield, which aligns with how Carolina wants to manage its run game moving forward. If the Panthers can land him, Walker brings experience, explosiveness, and a true change of pace to complement Hubbard’s style.
In 2025, Walker logged 179 carries for 779 yards, averaging 4.4 yards per attempt, while adding 22 receptions for 176 yards. That production reflects a balanced skill set — a runner capable of handling volume while still contributing in the passing game.
Walker’s burst and contact balance give Carolina a back who can flip field position, control early downs, and help preserve the physical identity the offense is built around.
Key Stats & Traits
- 2025: 179 carries, 779 rushing yards
- 4.4 yards per carry
- 22 receptions, 176 receiving yards
- Strong contact balance
- Proven early-down workload
Kenny Pickett, QB – Las Vegas Raiders
Quarterback depth can no longer be treated as optional in Carolina. Due to his size, Bryce Young is naturally more vulnerable to injury than many quarterbacks, making reliable insurance at the position essential. Having a capable backup who can step in and provide stability would help the Panthers avoid a season derailed by uncertainty.
Kenny Pickett fits that need while also aligning with the team’s timeline. He’s young, experienced, and still motivated to earn meaningful snaps on Sundays. Bringing him in creates healthy competition in the quarterback room and pushes Bryce Young without creating a distraction.
In limited action during the 2025 season, Pickett completed 64.1% of his passes for 169 yards, with one touchdown and one interception. While not eye-catching, those numbers reflect a quarterback who can operate within structure and manage games when called upon.
Pickett wouldn’t be brought in to replace Bryce Young — but to provide accountability, stability, and much-needed insurance at the most important position on the roster. As the old saying goes, ” You are only as good as your backup quarterback.“
Key Stats & Traits
- 2025: 64.1% completion rate
- 169 passing yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
- NFL starting experience
- Comfortable operating from the pocket
- Affordable, age-aligned backup option
Final Thoughts
This offseason isn’t about winning March, it’s about finally giving the Panthers a structure that works.
If Carolina protects Bryce Young, stabilizes the offensive line, modernizes the tight end position, and reinforces its physical identity, then 2026 becomes a legitimate evaluation year instead of another reset. Smart spending, not flashy spending, is what gives this roster a chance to develop with clarity and accountability.
None of these moves requires overextending financially or sacrificing future flexibility. They require intention — something this franchise has too often lacked.
The Panthers don’t need stars to move forward. They need fit, function, and discipline.
If they get that right, progress will follow.
Main Photo: [Barry Reeger] – Imagn Images
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