Carolina’s defense under DC Ejiro Evero has shown some playmaking ability. The team is tied 7th in interceptions right now, but there are still plenty of areas that need improvement.
The Panthers are ranked 17th in both total and passing defense, 16th against the run, 14th in scoring defense, and 12th in red zone defense.
The struggles are clear, the team is sitting 29th in sacks, 29th in third-down defense, and 26th in fumble recoveries.
While the secondary has produced turnovers, those can come and go. Carolina needs to provide more pressure on quarterbacks, improve the linebacker play, and add depth and versatility across the back end. Targeting the right players in the 2026 offseason will help the Panthers address these weaknesses, strengthen Evero’s system, and build on the foundation already established. This defense needs to be more consistent and competitive. With $29–40 million projected for the 2026 offseason, Carolina can acquire multiple defensive players without overextending. This allows them to address pressing needs like edge rusher, linebacker, and cornerback while preserving flexibility for future moves.
Here are six realistic targets for the Panthers:
Trey Hendrickson, Edge – Cincinnati Bengals
The biggest fish at the market could be Carolina’s this off-season. Hendrickson brings a mix of experience, leadership, and consistent pass-rushing ability. Carolina has struggled to generate consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks, and adding a veteran like Hendrickson would immediately upgrade the edge. His leadership and locker room presence could also help mentor younger pass rushers on the roster. Herdrickson’s season-ending injury will scare a few teams away, which could be to Carolina’s benefit.
Key Stats & Traits:
- 2025: 16 tackles, 4 sacks, 1 forced fumble
- Age: 31
- Elite counter moves and late-down playmaking
- Veteran leadership
Jaelan Phillips, Edge – Philadelphia Eagles
Another pass rusher for this defense would do wonders for the unit. Phillips offers Carolina a younger, high-upside edge rusher who can disrupt the pocket and complement the team’s defensive scheme. While he’s had injury concerns lately, his physical traits and versatility make him a player who can have an immediate impact when healthy and grow alongside the Panthers’ younger defenders.
Key Stats & Traits:
- 2025: 46 tackles, 4 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, 4 PD
- Age: 27
- Long frame, edge-setting and pocket-disrupting ability
- High ceiling for growth
Quay Walker, LB – Green Bay Packers
Walker gives Carolina a dynamic and versatile linebacker who can impact both the run and pass game. He has great sideline-to-sideline speed allows him to cover ground quickly, close running lanes, and make plays in space. Beyond raw athleticism, Walker brings instincts and timing that help him diagnose plays effectively, giving Carolina a more reliable presence in the middle of the field. Due to Micah Parsons‘ contract, Walker will possibly become available.
Walker also has the potential to be the heir apparent to Luke Kuechly, stepping into a leadership role at linebacker while providing the kind of playmaking and sideline-to-sideline presence Kuechly was known for. This would allow Evero to be more aggressive with and flexible with his scheme. At 26, he combines youthful upside with proven productivity, making him an ideal target to strengthen the linebacker corps for immediate improvement and long-term stability.
Key Stats & Traits:
- 2025: 102 tackles, 1.5 sacks, 4 PD, 11 TFL
- Age: 26
- Explosive playmaking
- Coverage versatility and run defense instincts
Devin Lloyd, LB – Jacksonville Jaguars
Another linebacker with great ball skills, Lloyd leads all Linebackers in interceptions. He is a physical and disciplined linebacker who can anchor the middle of the defense. Carolina has struggled to find consistent impact at this position, and Lloyd brings both coverage ability and turnover potential, making him an ideal player to pair with younger teammates while adding leadership to the unit.
Key Stats & Traits:
- 2025: 65 tackles, 1.5 sacks, 5 INT, 3.5 TFL
- Age: 27
- Strong coverage skills and athleticism
- Proven starter with leadership traits
Khalil Mack, Edge – Los Angeles Chargers
Even at 35, Mack can still provide a situational pass-rushing impact and mentorship for younger edge players. Using his experience and ability can help this defense create more turnovers. This, in turn, makes him a valuable addition for a defense looking to improve while maintaining continuity and developing younger talent.
Key Stats & Traits:
- 2025: 26 tackles, 5.5 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, 6 TFL
- Age: 35
- Veteran leadership
- Situational edge-rushing ability
Alontae Taylor, CB – New Orleans Saints
Taylor can provide valuable depth and versatility to Carolina’s secondary. After being involved in multiple trade discussions at the deadline, his future with the Saints appears uncertain, making him a strong candidate for free agency. He can line up outside or in the slot, giving the Panthers flexibility behind Jaycee Horn and Mike Jackson. His aggressive play style adds competition, stability, and the ability to match up effectively against a variety of receivers.
Key Stats & Traits:
- 2025: 26 tackles, 3 INT, 6 PD
- Age: 27
- Speed, versatility, and disruptive playstyle
- Can play multiple positions in the secondary
Some Final Thoughts
Carolina’s defense has clear areas for growth. They need to improve in pressure generation, linebacker play, and depth across the secondary. Adding any of these six players would give Ejiro Evero a mix of immediate impact, versatility, and leadership. Hendrickson, Phillips, and Mack provide pass-rush upgrades and mentorship, Walker and Lloyd strengthen the linebacker corps, and Taylor adds coverage flexibility.
By focusing on players who fit the system and contribute across multiple areas, the Panthers can turn 2026 into a year of defensive dominance.
Main Photo Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
The post Six Defensive Targets the Carolina Panthers Should Pursue in 2026 appeared first on Last Word on NFL.