Carolina Panthers: 2026 NFL Players Association Report Card Breakdown
The Carolina Panthers have received their 2026 NFL Players Association report card, and it offers a mixed bag of insights into the team's current standing. Let's dive into the details and see where the Panthers are excelling and where there's room for improvement.
High Marks and Key Endorsements
The Panthers received commendable grades in several areas, reflecting strong leadership and player satisfaction. Head coach Dave Canales, now in his third year, earned an A-minus. This speaks volumes about his ability to foster a positive, player-friendly environment, especially as the team clinched its first NFC South championship in a decade.
General Manager Dan Morgan also received high praise with an A, highlighting his effective management and strategic vision for the team. Team ownership, led by David Tepper, improved significantly from a D-minus in 2025 to a B-minus. This jump indicates growing confidence in the team's direction and Tepper’s leadership, especially after a scandal-free season.
Areas for Improvement
Despite these positives, the report card did spotlight some areas needing attention. The treatment of families received a B, while the team travel grade remained at a disappointing D, unchanged from 2025.
The Panthers' home game field, still using turf instead of grass at Bank of America Stadium, received an F. This has been a consistent point of contention among players, particularly due to the stadium's multi-use nature, which includes hosting concerts and MLS matches.
The locker room was graded a D-plus, but it's worth noting that the team is actively addressing this as part of a multi-year renovation plan. This $1 billion-plus project aims to enhance player facilities, which should improve future grades.
Other Notable Grades
- Food/Dining Area: B-plus
- Nutritionist/Dietician: A-minus
- Training Room: B
- Training Staff: A-minus
- Weight Room: B
- Strength Coaches: A-minus
- Position Coaches: A-minus
- Offensive Coordinator (Brad Idzik): A-minus
- Defensive Coordinator (Ejiro Evero): B
- Special Teams Coordinator (Tracy Smith): A-minus
These grades reflect a well-rounded support system for the players, emphasizing the team's commitment to maintaining high standards in training and nutrition.
Conclusion
Overall, the Carolina Panthers' 2026 report card paints a picture of a team on the rise, with strong leadership and a clear path forward. While there are areas that need improvement, particularly concerning facilities and travel, the positive trends in coaching and management are encouraging signs for Panthers fans. As renovations progress and the team continues to build on its recent success, there's plenty of reason for optimism in Carolina.