Latest Panthers News February 2026
Below, we highlight the Panthers’ biggest roster moves. We’ll continue to track the Panthers’ roster moves and transactions throughout the playoffs.
- 📅 January 4: Carolina wins the division with an 8-9 record.
- 📅 December 31: The Panthers claim DB D’Anthony Bell off waivers from Seattle and place TE Ja’Tavion Sanders on injured reserve.
- 📅 December 24: Carolina designates G Robert Hunt to return from injured reserve.
- 📅 December 17: The Panthers designate WR David Moore to return from injured reserve.
- 📅 November 26: Carolina places CB Corey Thornton on injured reserve.
- 📅 November 16: Young sets a franchise single-game passing record by throwing for 448 yards and three touchdowns in Week 11.
- 📅 November 1: The Panthers activate G Chandler Zavala from injured reserve and release RB DeeJay Dallas.
- 📅 October 18: Carolina activates WR Jalen Coker and C Austin Corbett from injured reserve. LB Patrick Jones II placed on injured reserve
- 📅 October 4: The Panthers activate DE LaBryan Ray from the injured reserve list.
- 📅 October 3: Carolina designates WR Jalen Coker to return from injured reserve list.
- 📅 September 15: The Panthers place G Robert Hunt and C Austin Corbett on injured reserve.
- 📅 September 1: Carolina signs WR Hunter Renfrow.
- 📅 August 28: The Panthers trade WR Adam Thielen, a conditional 2026 seventh-rounder, and a 2027 fifth-rounder to the Vikings in exchange for Minnesota's 2026 fifth-rounder and a 2027 fourth-rounder.
- 📅 August 21: Carolina activates TE Tommy Tremble from the active/physically unable to perform list.
- 📅 July 28: The Panthers activate DT Bobby Brown III and P Sam Martin from the active/non-football injury list.
- 📅 July 22: Carolina releases LB Josey Jewell and signs TE Tyler Mabry.
- 📅 May 08: The Panthers place RB Jonathon Brooks on the Physically Unable to Perform list.
- 📅 April 24: Carolina drafts WR Tetairoa McMillan (Arizona) in the first round of the 2025 draft.
- 📅 March 24: The Panthers re-sign WR David Moore and DB Nick Scott.
- 📅 March 12: The Panthers sign DT Tershawn Wharton, S Tre'von Moehrig, and RB Rico Dowdle.
- 📅 February 18: QB Andy Dalton signs a two-year deal with Carolina.
Carolina Panthers 2025-26 Odds & Team Projections
Despite earning a trip to the playoffs, the Panthers remain a work in progress. Quarterback Bryce Young has shown flashes of potential, and first-round pick Tetairoa McMillan has been anything but a disappointment, breaking the franchise rookie receiving yards record with 1,014 yards in 2025 and leading all rookies in both yards and touchdowns this season. Combined with the dynamic run game of Rico Dowdle, Carolina showed enough offensive spark to win the division.
The defense has become the real focal point this season after making major strides. Last year, the Panthers surrendered 534 points in 2024, the most ever allowed in a single NFL season, but those improvements on that side of the ball helped Carolina stay competitive, win games, and ultimately secure a playoff spot.
Entering Wild Card Weekend, the Panthers Super Bowl odds sit at +20000, implying just a 0.5% chance. While North Carolina sportsbooks aren’t placing high expectations on Carolina just yet, but that could change. The Panthers are making their first playoff appearance since 2017 and bring some notable trends with them. Carolina finished the season 10–7 against the spread, consistently exceeding market expectations.
Carolina Panthers Schedule 2025-26
According to ESPN, Carolina had the fifth-easiest schedule in 2025. The Panthers fell to the Saints in Week 10 but bounced back with a Week 11 win in Atlanta over the Falcons. Most recently, they earned a big win over the Los Angeles Rams in Week 13 and took their late-season bye in Week 14. Carolina opens its playoff run at home on January 10, taking on the Rams in a Wild Card clash in Charlotte.
| Panthers Schedule | Line | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1 at Jacksonville Jaguars | CAR +3.5, ML +164 | L 26-10 |
| Week 2 at Arizona Cardinals | CAR +6.5, ML +245 | L 27-22 |
| Week 3 vs Atlanta Falcons | CAR +5.5, ML +180 | W 30-0 |
| Week 4 at New England Patriots | CAR +5.5, ML +100 | L 42-13 |
| Week 5 vs Miami Dolphins | CAR +1.5, ML +102 | W 27-24 |
| Week 6 vs Dallas Cowboys | CAR -1.5, ML -135 | W 30-27 |
| Week 7 at New York Jets | CAR +1.5, ML +100 | W 13-6 |
| Week 8 vs Buffalo Bills | CAR +7, ML +285 | L 40-9 |
| Week 9 at Green Bay Packers | CAR +12.5, ML +625 | W 16-13 |
| Week 10 vs New Orleans Saints | CAR -5.5, ML -245 | L 17-7 |
| Week 11 at Atlanta Falcons | CAR +3.5, ML +160 | W 30-27/OT |
| Week 12 at San Francisco 49ers MNF | CAR +7, ML +275 | L 20-9 |
| Week 13 vs Los Angeles Rams | CAR +10.5, ML +500 | W 31-28 |
| Week 14 BYE | - | - |
| Week 15 at New Orleans Saints | CAR -2.5, ML -142 | L 20-17 |
| Week 16 vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers | CAR +2.5, ML +120 | W 23-20 |
| Week 17 vs Seattle Seahawks | CAR +1.5, ML +105 | L 27-10 |
| Week 18 at Tampa Bay Buccaneers | CAR +2.5, ML +120 | L 16-14 |
| Wild Card Round vs Los Angeles Rams | CAR +10.5, ML +425 | TBD |
Panthers Content
How to Watch the Carolina Panthers
Local broadcast partners for the NFL include CBS and FOX, so you'll find non-primetime Panthers games in your area on one of those two networks.
Sunday Night Football will be on NBC and its streaming platform, Peacock. Monday Night Football will remain on ESPN, and the Panthers play MNF in Week 12 against the 49ers. The exclusive streaming rights for Thursday Night Football now belong to Amazon Prime Video.
If out of the broadcast area, Carolina Panthers fans will need to subscribe to the NFL Sunday Ticket to watch non-primetime Panthers games. YouTube TV is now the only way to access the NFL Sunday Ticket.
Some legal sports betting apps in North Carolina may have local Panthers games available to stream as well now that they have launched.
For their upcoming Wild Card game, the Carolina Panthers and Los Angeles Rams match up on Saturday, January 10, 2025, at 4:30 PM ET on FOX. Streaming is available through services like Fubo, YouTube TV, or Hulu + Live TV (with subscriptions), or on mobile/tablet through the NFL app.
How to Get Carolina Panthers Tickets
The easiest way to buy tickets for Carolina Panthers games is through the team’s official website or their official ticket marketplace, Ticketmaster. Fans can browse available seats for upcoming games at Bank of America Stadium and purchase them directly online.
Another option is to visit an online ticket resale marketplace like VividSeats or StubHub. These sites allow fans to shop for previously purchased tickets being resold by other individuals.
Memberships and packages are also available through the Panthers Ticketing office for season tickets or multi-game deals.
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Carolina Panthers Stadium
Carolina Panthers home games take place at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina. With a capacity of over 75,000, the open-air stadium was specifically designed for NFL games.
Opened in 1996, Bank of America Stadium has undergone many renovations since 2014 to enhance the fan experience. Upgrades have included new escalators, a new video scoreboard, and refinements to suites. Additional improvements have focused on concourse amenities such as LED lighting, digital signage, and updated menu boards.
The stadium is currently in the middle of another round of renovations, which is impacting fan access to events like training camp. Because of ongoing construction, the Panthers’ training camp practices were not open to the public this year.
⭐️ MORE: Where Does Bank of America Stadium Rank When It Comes to Betting Overs?
Get to Know the Carolina Panthers Team
The Carolina Panthers joined the NFL as an expansion team in 1993 and played their first season in 1995, highlighted by defeating the reigning Super Bowl champs San Francisco 49ers.
Since their inaugural season, the Panthers have won six division titles, made eight playoff appearances, and reached two Super Bowls in 2004 and 2016. The franchise enjoyed a few years from 2013-2017, where they tied for the most playoff berths in the NFC.
Since 2019, however, the Panthers have fired three head coaches, including Ron Rivera, Matt Rhule, and Frank Reich.
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Carolina Panthers Front Office
- GM Dan Morgan
- Head Coach Dave Canales
- Owner Dave Tepper
Dave Canales, former Buccaneers offensive coordinator, returns as the Panthers’ head coach. In Canales’s first season, the Panthers improved from a 2–15 record to 5–12. Carolina’s projected win total for 2025 was set at 8.5 games. They finished the season 8-9.
Panthers GM Dan Morgan was Carolina’s first-round draft pick in 2001. He joined the front office as assistant general manager in May 2021 and was promoted to President of Football Operations/General Manager in January 2024.
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2025-26 Carolina Panthers Offense
This section will be updated after each game.
| 🏈 Total Yds | 5,025 |
| 💨 Total Pass Yds | 3,048 |
| 🏃♂️Total Rush Yds | 1,977 |
| 🙌 Points Scored | 311 |
| ✅ Last Updated: | { "now" | date('F j, Y') }} |
Last season, the Panthers ranked in the bottom half of the league in nearly every major offensive category. They averaged 6.2 yards per pass attempt and 4.6 yards per carry. Bryce Young finished with 2,403 yards, 15 touchdowns, and nine interceptions in the 2024–25 season. Thanks to a boost from RB Rico Dowdle, the Panthers have had an impressive run game this season.
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2025-26 Carolina Panthers Defense
| 🏈 Total Yds Allowed | 5,632 |
| 💨 Passing Yds Allowed | 3,536 |
| 🏃♂️ Rush Yds Allowed | 2,096 |
| 🙌 Points Allowed | 390 |
| ✅ Last Updated: | February 13, 2026 |
In 2024, the Panthers’ defense was among the worst in the league. They posted the worst point differential in NFL history at -193 and set a record by allowing 534 points, the most ever in a single season. This year has been a different story, with a much-improved unit showing a more opportunistic defense in Carolina.
Carolina Panthers Roster
Let's take a look at how the Panthers' roster looks ahead of the playoffs.
Quarterbacks
- Bryce Young
- Andy Dalton
Since Cam Newton was released in 2020, the Panthers have had a new starting quarterback each year: Teddy Bridgewater, Sam Darnold, and Baker Mayfield. But Carolina's 2023 draft pick, Bryce Young, returned for his third season.
Young could not have asked for a better mentor and backup QB in Andy Dalton, who has been tasked with teaching Young the ropes in the NFL. After playing nine seasons for the Cincinnati Bengals and leading them to the playoffs five seasons, Dalton bounced around the NFL until signing with the Panthers in 2023.
Dalton signed a two-year contract with the Panthers in February 2025.
⭐️ MORE: Where Panthers’ Andy Dalton Ranks Among NFL Backup QBs
Running Backs
- Chuba Hubbard
- Rico Dowdle
- Trevor Etienne
- Jonathon Brooks (out)
Chuba Hubbard joined the Panthers as a fourth-round pick in 2021 after a prolific career at Oklahoma State. As a rookie, he served as the primary backup to Christian McCaffrey, rushing for over 500 yards in ten starts when McCaffrey was injured. In 2024, Hubbard totaled 1,195 rushing yards and ten touchdowns, while this season he recorded 511 yards and one touchdown.
With RB Jonathon Brooks missing the 2025 season, the Panthers signed Cowboys' RB Rico Dowdle in free agency, adding depth to the running back room. Dowdle is coming off a 1,000-yard season in 2024 and followed it up in 2025 with 1,076 rushing yards and six touchdowns.
Carolina selected Georgia running back Trevor Etienne in the fourth round of the NFL draft. Etienne is a dual-threat and will bring versatility to the offense. He signed a rookie contract with the team in May.
Wide Receivers & Tight Ends
- WR Tetairoa McMillan
- WR Hunter Renfrow
- WR Xavier Legette
- WR David Moore
- WR Brycen Tremayne
- WR Dalevon Campbell
- WR Jimmy Horn Jr.
- TE Ja'Tavion Sanders (IR)
- TE Tommy Tremble
- TE Mitchell Evans
- TE James Mitchell
Rookie WR Xavier Legette had a disappointing 2024 season with just 500 receiving yards, but the Panthers were hoping they found a dependable pass catcher in the 2025 draft. They did just that with first-round pick Tetairoa McMillan out of Arizona. As a key part of the offense, McMillan quickly emerged as a favorite to win Offensive Rookie of the Year.
The Panthers expected improvement from their tight end group after re-signing Tommy Tremble and Ja’Tavion Sanders. They also added depth by selecting Mitchell Evans in the fifth round, giving Bryce Young a 6-foot-5 target in the passing game, though the offense ultimately ran through Rico Dowdle and McMillan
Offensive Line
- OT Ikem Ekwonu
- OT Damien Lewis
- OT Robert Hunt (IR)
- OT Taylor Moton
- OT Brady Christensen (IR)
- OT Chandler Zavala (IR)
- OT Jake Curhan
- OT Yosh Nijman
- C Austin Corbett
- C Cade Mays
- C Nick Samac
The offensive line was a strength for the Panthers in the 2024 season, particularly in run blocking. Carolina retained much of its offensive line this offseason. Despite injuries affecting the O-line, they have exceeded expectations, but still lack consistency.
Defensive Line
- DE Tershawn Wharton
- DE Derrick Brown
- DE Bobby Brown III
- DT A'Shawn Robinson
- DT Cam Jackson
Pro Bowler Derrick Brown returned after suffering a season-ending injury in Week 1 of 2024, providing an upgrade to the run defense. Carolina also bolstered the defensive line by signing Bobby Brown III and Thershawn Wharton, with Wharton coming off a career-best 6.5 sacks for the Chiefs last season. Both are expected to play significant roles in the playoffs.
Additionally, veteran defensive lineman A’Shawn Robinson adds experience and depth, while the Panthers further strengthened the group by selecting Cam Jackson in the fifth round of the draft.
Linebackers
- OLB Pat Jones II
- OLB D.J. Wonnum
- OLB Princely Umanmielen
- OLB Nic Scourton
- OLB Thomas Incoom
- OLB DJ Johnson
- ILB Krys Barnes
- ILB Trevin Wallace
- ILB Christian Rozeboom (out)
- ILB Claudin Cherelus
- LB Bam Martin-Scott
Carolina’s linebacker group is a mix of returning and new players, helping to bolster the Panthers’ defense.
DJ Johnson and Thomas Incoom provide young depth at outside linebacker, while the Panthers also strengthened the position by signing Pat Jones II and drafting Nic Scourton and Princely Umanmielen.
The inside linebacker group is led by Trevin Wallace and Krys Barnes.
Cornerbacks
- Mike Jackson
- Jaycee Horn Jr.
- Corey Thornton
- Chau Smith-Wade
- Akayleb Evans
- Damarri Mathis (IR)
Depth has been an issue in Carolina’s cornerback group, but the Panthers locked up Pro Bowler Jaycee Horn Jr. with a four-year contract extension in March. Playing opposite Horn, Mike Jackson, who also signed a two-year extension in March, helps establish a dominant pair. Carolina further added depth this offseason with the signings of Akayleb Evans and Demarri Mathis.
Safeties
- Tre’von Moehrig
- Nick Scott
- Demani Richardson
- Lathan Ransom
The Panthers’ safeties improved in 2025, highlighted by one of the biggest upgrades, the signing of Tre’von Moehrig. Exceeding expectations this season have been Demani Richardson’s playmaking ability and rookie Lathan Ransom, both of whom have strengthened the defense.
Special Teams
- Kicker Ryan Fitzgerald
- Long Snapper JJ Jansen
- Punter Sam Martin
itzgerald didn’t miss a kick last season at Florida State, converting all 13 field goal attempts and 14 extra points. He has been a reliable option for winning late games, converting a high percentage of field goals, around 80 percent.
The Panthers also parted ways with punter Johnny Hekker, but signed former Bills’ punter Sam Martin. Martin averaged 46.7 yards per punt last year.
J.J. Jansen has been a model of consistency for Carolina, playing every game since 2009 as the Panthers' long snapper.
What to Expect from the Panthers
The Carolina Panthers bolstered their roster this offseason to strengthen the defense. After struggling with the pass rush in the first four games, the team delivered its best defensive performance of the season in Week 5. The defense continues to impress, led by Derrick Brown, who has been a dominant force on the defensive line. Some commentators have even called him the best defensive lineman in the league this season. Cornerback Jaycee Horn has also performed at an All-Pro level, consistently shutting down opposing receivers.
Bryce Young remains a work in progress on offense. The flashes are there, and the run game has helped take pressure off him, but week-to-week output still swings too much to feel fully reliable. Until his consistency catches up with his talent, the offense will remain unpredictable. Still, it’s been enough to get the Panthers where they want to be: headed to the playoffs for the first time since 2017.
The Panthers enter the Wild Card game as 10.5-point home underdogs. However, they did defeat the Rams back in Week 13, winning 31–28. Bryce Young had an impressive performance in that matchup, throwing for 206 yards and three touchdowns, though the rushing attack was less effective. If Rico Dowdle and Chuba Hubbard can generate consistent production on the ground and Young delivers another strong passing game, Carolina could pull off the upset.
Carolina Panthers FAQs
Although they are the Panthers represent both North Carolina and South Carolina, their home games are hosted at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Panthers' 2025 training camp was held in Charlotte, North Carolina, at their facility.
The Carolina Panthers' stadium is located in uptown Charlotte, North Carolina, at 800 South Mint Street. Bank of America Stadium, the Panthers' home stadium, is located on 33 acres of land in the Third Ward district of the city and was designed specifically for football.
The Panthers' starting quarterback is Bryce Young, who was the No. 1 overall pick for Carolina in the 2023 NFL Draft. Young, currently starting his third season, won the 2021 Heisman Trophy in his first year as the starting QB for the Alabama Crimson Tide.
Arguably, the most popular current Carolina Panthers players are quarterback Bryce Young and running back Chuba Hubbard. They also have an illustrious history of very popular players, including QB Cam Newton, LB Luke Kuechly, WR Steve Smith, Sr., DE Julius Peppers, TE Greg Olsen, and LB Sam Mills.
The Panthers finished the 2024–25 NFL season with a 5–12 record, placing third in the NFC South. They improved in 2025–26, finishing 8–9 and winning the division. Carolina will now host the Rams in the Wild Card round.
Non-primetime Panthers games are broadcast nationally on CBS or FOX, depending on which conference the home team is in. For their primetime games on Monday Night and Thursday Night Football, they can be watched on ESPN and Prime Video, respectively.
Author
Calli is lifelong resident of Arizona and has been an avid sports fan since she can remember. After earning her Bachelor’s degrees from the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism at Arizona State University, she combined her passion for journalism and sports. Calli has covered the NFL, NBA, MLB, NCAAF, college sports, and sports betting for several media outlets.
