The Carolina Panthers are heading into NFL free agency with something they haven’t had in a while - momentum. After a surprise run to the NFC South title and real signs of growth from quarterback Bryce Young, Carolina suddenly finds itself in a position to build, not rebuild. And with general manager Dan Morgan at the controls, the Panthers are poised to get aggressive in the open market.
Morgan’s already made his mark with a franchise-shifting draft, not just by selecting Young, but also by finding a gem in wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan, who emerged as the league’s top offensive rookie. Now, the next step is clear: supplement that young core with experienced, high-impact veterans. That means spending wisely - and boldly - even with just north of $14 million in cap space.
Carolina might not be a marquee destination like Los Angeles or Miami, but that narrative is changing. The Panthers are building something, and veterans looking for a shot at a deep playoff run should take notice. This is a team with a young quarterback on the rise, a fresh coaching staff led by Dave Canales, and a defense that’s quietly laying the foundation for something real.
Let’s talk targets. There are three free agents in particular who not only bring veteran savvy but also carry Super Bowl experience - exactly the kind of presence that can elevate a locker room and steady a team on the rise.
Kenneth Walker III - Super Bowl MVP Pedigree in the Backfield
Yes, Chuba Hubbard is still RB1 in Charlotte, but he’s struggled to deliver week-to-week consistency. Rico Dowdle is set to hit free agency and likely won’t be back. Jonathon Brooks, meanwhile, is coming off a torn ACL and still has to prove he can be a reliable contributor at the pro level.
That opens the door for a potential game-changer - Kenneth Walker III, fresh off his MVP performance in Super Bowl LX with the Seattle Seahawks.
Walker brings exactly what Carolina’s ground game has been missing: burst, vision, patience, and power. The Panthers ranked 19th in rushing yards and 27th in rushing touchdowns last season - numbers that simply won’t cut it for a Canales-led offense that thrives on a physical, downhill rushing attack. Walker wouldn’t just fill a need; he’d transform the identity of the offense and give Young a reliable weapon to lean on.
Jauan Jennings - A Red Zone Target with Playoff Pedigree
Another name to watch: wide receiver Jauan Jennings. His future with the 49ers is uncertain, but what’s clear is that he’s coming off a breakout year, racking up a career-high nine touchdowns. Jennings nearly won a ring with San Francisco back in the 2023 season, and he plays with the kind of edge and toughness that fits perfectly in Carolina’s emerging offense.
Outside of McMillan - or “T-Mac,” as he’s quickly becoming known - the Panthers’ receiver room is full of question marks heading into 2026. Jennings would give them a physical possession receiver who thrives in the red zone and isn’t afraid to do the dirty work over the middle. He’d take pressure off McMillan and give Young a trusted target in tight spaces, especially on third downs and in goal-to-go situations.
Dante Fowler Jr. - Veteran Edge Presence with Something Left in the Tank
Let’s not forget about the defense, either. The Panthers’ pass rush was lacking punch last season - no defender hit the six-sack mark - and that’s a problem in a league where disrupting the quarterback is everything. Enter Dante Fowler Jr.
Yes, Fowler is 31 and may be nearing the twilight of his career, but he’s not far removed from a 10.5-sack season with Washington and still has enough juice to be a situational disruptor. Things didn’t quite click for him in Dallas, but a change of scenery could reignite his game. More importantly, Fowler brings veteran leadership and playoff experience to a young defensive front that needs both.
Edge rusher will still be a priority in April’s draft, no doubt. But bringing in someone like Fowler gives Carolina a stopgap with upside - and a mentor who can help accelerate the development of any rookie pass rushers they bring in.
Bottom line: the Panthers are no longer stuck in rebuild mode. They’ve got a young quarterback who’s starting to figure it out, a rookie receiver who looks like a future star, and a head coach with a clear vision. Now it’s about surrounding that core with the right veterans.
Kenneth Walker III. Jauan Jennings. Dante Fowler Jr.
All three have played under the brightest lights. All three could bring leadership, experience, and immediate impact. And all three could help Carolina take that next step - from surprise division winner to legitimate NFC contender.