Carolina Panthers: Breaking News, Rumors & Highlights

Dave Canales hints timing may finally be right for a recent draft pick to begin carving out a meaningful role in Panthers offense

The Carolina Panthers got incredible return on investment during the 2025 season with running back Rico Dowdle after signing the N.C. native to a one-year, $2.75 million contract during the offseason.

Features

The Morning Bark

The Quiz of the Day

It's time to revisit Panthers' decision to take Bryce Young over C.J. Stroud

The 2023 quarterback class was supposed to be great. The Carolina Panthers, Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts, and even the Tennessee Titans seemed to be poised to find their next franchise QB.

Carolina Panthers News / Carolina Panthers on SI / January 14

NFL insider rips Panthers' chances of returning to playoffs in 2026

There are eight teams still in the running when it comes to making plans to reach Super Bowl LX. There are also six clubs that are looking towards 2006 after being eliminated last Saturday (Carolina Panthers and Green Bay Packers), Sunday (Jacksonville Jaguars, Philadelphia Eagles, and Los Angeles Chargers) and Monday (Pittsburgh Steelers).

Carolina Panthers News / NFLTradeRumors.co / January 14

Panthers Cut S D’Anthony Bell

The Carolina Panthers announced they have waived S D’Anthony Bell. He caught on with the team late in the season. He was on an expiring contract, so this just gives him a little head start on the rest of the market. Bell, 29, signed with the Browns as an undrafted free agent out of Iowa Central following the 2022 NFL Draft.

Drake Maye News / Yardbarker Quizzes

The 'Winning NFL playoff debuts' quiz

How many of the NFL quarterbacks to emerge victorious from their first start in the postseason in the Super Bowl Era (since 1966) can you name eight minutes?

The 'No. 3 NFL Draft picks since 2000' quiz

The 'Most passing TD's in 1st 25 starts' quiz

The 'Completion % record by NFL team' quiz

Bryce Young News / Carolina Panthers on SI / January 14

Grading Carolina Panthers QB Bryce Young's full 2025 season

Carolina Panthers QB Bryce Young's third season in the NFL is complete. Following a surprise playoff berth and an inspiring losing effort, the Panthers now enter the offseason with some questions at key positions.

NFL News / Yardbarker

Who had the most sacks in a season during the NFL's pre-modern era?

Thanks to pro-football-reference.com's addition of unofficial sack totals to players' resumes, more clarity has emerged about the best pass-rushing years from previous eras.

Carolina Panthers News / Carolina Panthers on SI / January 14

For the second year, a Georgia defender is Panthers' best draft fit

Last year, the Carolina Panthers selected Jalon Walker in endless mock drafts before shocking the world by passing on him when the actual draft came. They took Tetairoa McMillan, and the rest is history.

Rico Dowdle News / LWOSports.com / January 14

Four Potential Landing Spots for Unrestricted Free Agent Rico Dowdle in 2026

Coming off his second consecutive 1,000-yard rushing season, Rico Dowdle is set to be one of the top running backs available in 2026 NFL free agency. After

Carolina Panthers News / Carolina Panthers on SI / January 14

Carolina Panthers have clear, pressing needs, and they're all on defense

The subject was the now-reigning NFC South champion Carolina Panthers. The team heads into the 2026 offseason off its first division title since 2015. Dave Canales’s club came up short in the wild card round in a wild 34-31 setback to the visiting Los Angeles Rams.

NFL News / Yardbarker

Looking back at every NFL Christmas Day game

For years, Thanksgiving belonged to the NFL, but Christmas belonged to the NBA. Occasionally, an NFL game would fall on Christmas, but it was anomalous, even avoided if possible.

Dan Morgan News / Carolina Panthers on SI / January 14

Panthers to take “patient” approach to free agency, what positions are top priority?

When speaking to the media on Tuesday, general manager Dan Morgan was asked about his approach to this offseason, specifically how the Carolina Panthers will handle free agency.

NFL News / Yardbarker / January 14

Giants icons helping John Mara in recruitment of John Harbaugh

A previous report shared that former New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll had given "rave reviews about" the Giants and about 2025 rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart during conversations with some head-coach candidates.

Giants seemingly have made huge decision that could impact pursuit of John Harbaugh

Should you buy or sell John Harbaugh-Titans buzz?

Giants seem prepared to meet at least some of alleged John Harbaugh demands

Giants’ Chris Mara Had Informal Meeting With John Harbaugh

John Harbaugh Expected To Interview With Giants, Titans & Falcons This Week

Click here to get Yardbarker's Quiz of the Day emailed to you!

The 'Winning NFL playoff debuts' quiz

The 'Passing + Rushing TD playoff games' quiz

The 'Active 1K-receiving-yard seasons' quiz

The 'NFL Playoff rushing-TD leaders' quiz

Xavier Legette News / Carolina Panthers on SI / January 14

4 trade destinations for Xavier Legette if Panthers decide to move on

It's probably time for the Carolina Panthers to move on from Xavier Legette. He's been a disaster, and he continues to slide down the depth chart. He's WR3 now, but it wouldn't be a shock if he continued to slide.

Bryce Young News / LWOSports.com / January 14

3 Observations on Bryce Young After His First Playoff Game

In a thrilling NFC Wild Card matchup on Saturday, Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young made his NFL playoff debut against the Los Angeles Rams, showcasing significant growth and resilience despite a heartbreaking 34-31 loss.

Carolina Panthers News / Field Level Media / January 13

Panthers picking up QB Bryce Young's 5th-year option

The Carolina Panthers will pick up quarterback Bryce Young's fifth-year option, general manager Dan Morgan said Tuesday. The option will pay the No. 1 overall pick of the 2023 NFL Draft a guaranteed $26.5 million in 2027.

Carolina Panthers News / Yardbarker Quizzes

The 'No. 1-overall NFL Draft picks' quiz

How many of the No. 1 overall picks from the NFL Draft since 1966 can you name in eight minutes?

Carolina Panthers News / Pro Football Rumors / January 13

Panthers Will Pick Up QB Bryce Young’s 5th-Year Option

Panthers general manager Dan Morgan said on Tuesday (via The Athletic’s Joseph Person) that the team would pick up Bryce Young‘s fifth-year option for the 2027 season.

Carolina Panthers News / Yardbarker / January 13