Panthers Bubble Watch: Who’s Safe, Who’s Sweating?

The Carolina Panthers have some heated battles going on at training camp this summer. After winning the NFC South in 2026, the team went and added more reinforcements this offseason as they look to repeat.

When more talent is brought in, it naturally means some other players could get bumped from their spots. As a result, there's some intense competition going on in Carolina at multiple spots.

We still have over a month until the regular season, so there's plenty of time for things to change. But, with a week of training camp in the books, we're getting a better idea of who may be safe and who may be out.

Today, we'll go through each position group that features a battle and see where things currently stand.

Running Back

The running back position could end up being exciting in 2026. Jonathon Brooks, who is finally healthy, has looked like the best back on the team this summer. We know Brooks, Chuba Hubbard, and Trevor Etienne are safe, but what about the others?

If the Panthers keep four running backs, veteran A.J. Dillon is the favorite. Dillon is far from safe, though, and will need to give the Panthers a reason to keep a fourth running back around.

Wide Receiver

Chris Brazzell's injury made this race a little more interesting. Before that, Brazzell was a lock to make the team, so another receiver will now take his place.

Tetairoa McMillan, Jalen Coker, Xavier Legette, and David Moore are safe. Brycen Tremayne, Jimmy Horn Jr., and John Metchie III are among the players on the bubble fighting for spots. It will be interesting to see if anybody pulls away.

Offensive Line

The offensive line has been decimated by injuries already. It seems like the team will be without both starting tackles for a while, which means a couple other plays will get a chance to make the roster.

Saahdiq Charles, Ja'Tyre Carter, and Chandler Zavala are all competing for backup roles on the interior. I wouldn't consider any of those three safe now that Brady Christensen is back. Tackle Stone Forsythe is a guy who almost certainly wouldn't make the team if everyone was healthy, but he's on the verge of landing a backup spot now.

Defensive Line

The defensive line is another group that is being greatly affected by injuries. Tershawn Wharton and Bobby Brown III are both dealing with ailments, which is giving some other guys a shot.

For example, undrafted free agent Aaron Hall already seems like a lock to make the team. Meanwhile, guys like Cam Jackson, Tywone Malone, and Jared Harrison-Hunte are firmly on the bubble.

Linebacker

The outside linebacker group is hurt by the loss of Nic Scourton. Without the second-year defender, expect Patrick Jones II and Princely Umanmielen to battle for the starting spot opposite Jaelan Phillips.

On the inside, Devin Lloyd and Trevin Wallace will be the starters. Players on the bubble include rookie Jackson Kuwatch, Thomas Incoom, and Nick Hampton. It will likely come down to special teams to see who makes the team here.

Cornerback

The cornerback room is very interesting to watch. Jaycee Horn and Mike Jackson should be a great starting duo, while Corey Thornton and Chau Smith-Wade battle it out for the nickel spot.

Akayleb Evans, Robert Rochell, and Tyrek Funderburk are the players who should be sweating the most right now. Evans has an edge due to his special teams ability, but he's far from a lock.