The Carolina Panthers turned some heads this season. An 8-9 finish doesn’t usually scream “success,” but in a wide-open NFC, it was good enough to sneak into the playoffs.
And they didn’t just show up-they gave the heavily favored Rams everything they could handle in a 31-27 Wild Card loss. Now, the focus shifts to the offseason, and with it, the tough decisions that come with building a better version of this roster.
Head coach Dave Canales has laid a foundation, but if the Panthers want to take the next step, they’ll need to create some financial flexibility. That means some familiar names could be on the chopping block. Let’s take a closer look at three potential cut candidates who could be cap casualties as Carolina gears up for 2026.
1. Tommy Tremble - TE
Tommy Tremble has been a steady presence in Carolina for five seasons, but the production just hasn’t matched the potential. He posted a career-high in receptions in 2025-27 catches for 249 yards and two touchdowns-but in today’s NFL, that’s not enough, especially from a player who started 16 games.
Tremble’s value has always extended beyond the stat sheet. He’s a willing blocker and brings versatility to the offense, which is why he was on the field for 60% of the offensive snaps.
But even with those intangibles, the Panthers have to weigh that against the $8 million cap hit he’s carrying into 2026. Cutting him would free up $6 million in space-a significant chunk for a team that needs to retool.
When Tremble entered the league in 2021, the buzz was real. “Violent and versatile” was the scouting report.
A 6-3, 241-pound tight end with NFL bloodlines-his father, Greg, played defensive back in the league-Tremble looked like a guy who could be a long-term piece. He started 11 games as a rookie, but only 12 over the next two seasons.
While his effort and football IQ have never been in question, the production simply hasn’t followed.
The Panthers have to ask themselves: is Tremble’s blocking and locker room presence worth the price tag? Or can they find a cheaper option who brings similar traits? Given the cap savings, it’s a decision that’s very much on the table.
2. Patrick Jones II - EDGE
This one’s less about performance and more about availability. Patrick Jones II showed flashes with the Vikings in 2024, racking up seven sacks in a rotational role.
That earned him a shot in Carolina, but things didn’t go according to plan. He started just four games before a back injury shut him down for the season, and he finished with only one sack.
The Panthers were near the bottom of the league in pressure rate-31st, to be exact-and while Jones can’t shoulder the blame for that, his absence certainly didn’t help. The bigger issue is his $10.1 million cap hit heading into next season. That’s a steep price for a player coming off a serious injury, especially one who was already something of a gamble in free agency.
To his credit, Jones pushed to return for the playoffs. “I feel like I was getting real close,” he said.
“Each game, I would’ve been closer and closer.” But the comeback never materialized, and now he enters the offseason with something to prove-and a lot of work ahead.
Jones has vowed to make this a “personal” offseason, and if he can get healthy, there’s still upside. But the Panthers are in a tough spot.
Can they afford to roll the dice again on a player with a significant cap number and an uncertain health outlook? Or do they cut bait and look for a more reliable edge presence?
3. Andy Dalton - QB
Andy Dalton has been around the block. Fifteen seasons, multiple playoff appearances, and a reputation as one of the league’s more dependable backups.
But the numbers tell a different story in recent years. He hasn’t posted a winning record in over a decade, and in his last six starts across three seasons, he’s gone 1-6.
There’s value in having a veteran presence in the quarterback room, especially when you’re trying to develop a young starter like Bryce Young. But at some point, that mentorship needs to be paired with the ability to win games if called upon. Right now, Dalton doesn’t offer much upside in that regard.
The Panthers may be ready to go younger at QB2. Not only would it provide a more dynamic option if Young misses time, but it could also push the former No. 1 overall pick to elevate his game. There’s already a bit of noise around the idea, and team president Dan Morgan has hinted at the possibility of bringing in another quarterback.
At 38, Dalton’s future in the league is uncertain. He could still find a home as a mentor elsewhere, but for a Panthers team looking to take the next step, upgrading the backup quarterback spot might be a necessary move.
The Bottom Line
The Panthers are at a pivotal point. They’ve got a young quarterback, a new coaching staff with momentum, and a taste of playoff football. But if they want to become a consistent contender, they’ll need to make some tough financial decisions-starting with players like Tremble, Jones, and Dalton.
Each has contributed in different ways, but the NFL is a business, and cap space is currency. Carolina has to decide where to invest and where to cut ties. The 2026 offseason could be the difference between another one-and-done playoff appearance or a deeper run into January.