Four Panthers on Roster Bubble Entering Training Camp

Haynes King was brought in as an undrafted free agent after a successful college career at Georgia Tech. The passer's chances to make the roster got better when Will Grier suddenly retired, but it's still no guarantee King is kept.

Dave Canales has rolled with just two quarterbacks initially in the previous two seasons, so it's unlikely that changes this year. Of course, it's possible King could do enough to force the Panthers to keep him, but he'll need to show plenty over the next month.

RB A.J. Dillon

At one time, A.J. Dillon looked like a future solid starter. The running back started 11 games over four seasons with the Green Bay Packers and rushed for at least 600 yards in three of those seasons.

Unfortunately, Dillon missed all of 2024 and only played in seven games in 2025. Chuba Hubbard, Jonathan Brooks, and Trevor Etienne will all make the roster, so can Dillon do enough to be RB4? Will the Panthers even keep a fourth running back?

WR Jimmy Horn Jr.

Jimmy Horn Jr. is in an interesting spot. The Panthers' receiver room is a bit more crowded than it was a year ago, which means the former sixth-round pick needs to perform this summer.

We know Tetairoa McMillan, Jalen Coker, Xavier Legette, Chris Brazzell II, and David Moore are all making the team. That likely only leaves one spot, with Horn, John Metchie III, and Brycen Tremayne the main contenders.

CB Akayleb Evans

Akayleb Evans played in 16 games with the Panthers in 2025, but mostly saw the field on special teams. The former Minnesota Viking collected 12 tackles and is back in camp this year, fighting for a spot.

Evans is a solid special teamer, and he provides depth on the outside, which is nice given Jaycee Horn's injury history. However, if the team only keeps five corners, it won't be surprising to see Chau Smith-Wade get that final spot over Evans.