With Carolina Panthers training camp underway, the roster is starting to take shape in real time. Jobs are open, roles are shifting, and a few players are in position to make a real jump before Week 1. That’s the nature of camp: one strong stretch can change the conversation fast.
One of the biggest names to watch is Jonathon Brooks. The buzz around him has only grown through the summer, and the early reports have been strong.
After two ACL tears since 2024, Brooks is said to be as healthy as he has been since entering the NFL, and he appears to have the burst and explosiveness that made him a second-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Chuba Hubbard’s 2025 season was a strange one, with injuries and limited production creating questions about whether he can get back to the volume, workload and numbers that made him a true RB1 in 2024.
By the end of camp, Brooks is expected to be the bigger storyline, and at the very least he should match Hubbard’s snap count - with the chance to pass it.
Another battle that deserves more attention is at center. Carolina moved on after losing Cade Mays in free agency and responded by bringing in Luke Fortner, the former New Orleans Saints starter.
Fortner may not be a flashy addition, but he brings solid play and playoff starting experience. The Panthers also added another option in the fifth round of the NFL Draft, taking Sam Hecht out of Kansas State.
Hecht has the kind of size that jumps off the page at 6'4 and over 300 pounds, and he looks like a promising long-term piece. Still, for a team trying to win now, the edge goes to experience, which is why Fortner is the clear Week 1 starter.
At receiver, Carolina made another move that could matter right away by adding Brazzell. The former Tennessee Volunteer brings explosive outside ability, especially when he’s matched up one-on-one downfield.
His tape also shows a strong ability to win contested catches. The fit next to Tetairoa McMillan makes sense, particularly with Carolina wanting to use McMillan in the slot more often this season.
Brazzell’s speed on the outside should open up space for McMillan to catch the ball in stride and work the middle of the field.
Bryce Young enters the most important year of his career with more pressure than ever. The possibility of a contract extension is part of it, and so is the looming 2027 NFL Draft class, which is loaded with quarterbacks.
Young has already shown he can handle pressure situations and has thrived in the clutch, but now that pressure is constant. The expectation is that he’ll stand out in camp and leave enough of an impression to build real confidence heading into Week 1, from both local and national media.
The tight end room remains the clearest weak spot on the roster, but somebody still has to emerge. Evans is the name to watch there.
At 6'5 and 250+ pounds, he brings a versatile skill set and can contribute as both a blocker and a receiver. He also has the ability to line up in more receiver spots than the other tight ends and shows strong field awareness.
In camp, he’s expected to produce the most eye-catching plays in the group and give Carolina at least a little bit of hope in a room that badly needs it.
In Other News...
One Panthers Camp Standout May Have Just Changed Everything
Training camp has a way of sorting out the back end of a roster, and Ja'Seem Reed has made himself part of that conversation in Carolina. The undrafted receiver has turned in a few notable plays as the Panthers work through practices, while Bryce Young continues settling into Brad Idziks offense and a handful of other young players keep flashing in the kind of setting where every rep matters.
Chau Smith-Wade and Corey Thornton have also shown up in the secondary, giving the staff more to evaluate as camp rolls on. Add in the encouraging signs from Lee Hunter and Mitchell Evans, and theres a real sense that Carolina is getting useful answers from a group that could shape the final roster in more ways than one, even if the biggest question at the position battle remains unresolved. [Read more 🡒]
Panthers Suddenly Have A Rival NFC South Opportunity Up Front
A new NFC South wrinkle has put the Panthers in the conversation for a potential front-line defensive upgrade, with Tampa Bays interior line suddenly looking like a place where Carolina could try to make a move. The fit is easy to see from the Panthers side: they have been dealing with the kind of defensive line attrition that can change how a season feels in a hurry, and a proven presence in the middle would immediately change the look of that group.
The challenge is that any pursuit would not be simple or cheap. Carolina would have to weigh both the draft capital and financial commitment it would take to land a player of that caliber, especially if the deal came with the expectation of a new long-term contract and the need to clear cap space to make it work. For a team trying to build carefully, it is the sort of opportunity that sounds appealing on paper but gets complicated fast once the bidding starts. [Read more 🡒]
Panthers Suddenly Have A New Name To Watch Off The Edge
Cam Gill was on the field for Carolinas first padded training camp practice, a quick sign that the Panthers are already taking a close look at a fresh edge-rush option. The recent signing arrived after starring in the UFL with the Louisville Kings, where he was named Defensive Player of the Year, and he now finds himself in the middle of a camp that is trying to sort out its pass-rush depth while getting ready for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Game against the Cardinals.
For Carolina, the timing matters because the edge rotation has suddenly opened up and every practice rep carries more weight than it did a week ago. Gill is in the mix for a roster spot, and the Panthers will get an early chance to see how he fits alongside the rest of the group as camp continues and the preseason opener approaches. [Read more 🡒]