Carolina Panthers 2026 Training Camp Preview: Rebuild is Ahead of Schedule

With several teams kicking off their organized team activities this week, the NFL offseason is in full swing.

Teams have OTAs sprinkled in over the next three weeks before a month-long break until training camp begins in mid-to-end July.

We'll be reviewing the major offseason changes for all 32 teams in addition to previewing what to expect from each team as they head into training camp. Below is our 2026 training camp preview for the Carolina Panthers.

Key Offseason Dates

Voluntary OTAs: May 26-27, May 29, June 1-2, June 4

Mandatory minicamp: June 9-11

Training camp: mid-July

NFL Hall of Fame game: Aug. 6

Key Additions:

Kenny Pickett, QB

A.J. Dillion, RB

John Metchie, WR

Rasheed Walker, OT

Stone Forsythe, OT

Luke Fortner, C

Jaelan Phillips, DE

Devin Lloyd, LB

Re-Signed:

David Moore, WR

James Mitchell, TE

Trevis Gipson, DE

Isaiah Simmons, LB

Akayleb Evans, CB

Claudin Cherelus, LB

Robert Rochell, CB

Nick Scott, S

Sam Martin, P

2026 NFL Draft Class:

Monroe Freeling, OT, Round 1

Lee Hunter, DT, Round 2

Chris Brazzell II, WR, Round 4

Will Lee III, CB, Round 4

Sam Hecht, C, Round 5

Zakee Wheatley, S, Round 5

Jackson Kuwatch, LB, Round 7

Key Losses:

Rico Dowdle, RB

Cade Mays, C

Austin Corbett, C

A'Shawn Robinson, DT

D.J. Wonnum, DE

Christian Rozeboom, LB

D'Anthony Bell, S

Analysis:

The Panthers surprised a lot of people by winning the NFC South last year, and 2026 will be all about proving that it wasn't a fluke.

Quarterback Bryce Young had the best season of his career, passing for 3,011 yards, 23 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions, and the team added plenty of help for him heading into next season - offensive tackles Rasheed Walker and Monroe Freeling, wide receivers Chris Brazzell II and John Metchie, and running back A.J. Dillon.

With head coach Dave Canales working his magic in getting the most out of Young, a revamped offense, and an improving defense, the pieces are all there for Carolina to take another step forward next season and possibly reach double-digit wins.

The Panthers should be in contention for the division title again next season, though they will have to hold off a game Tampa Bay Buccaneers team to do so.

2026 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.

This story was originally published May 27, 2026 at 10:41 PM.