Will the Carolina Panthers add to a key position ahead of the 2026 NFL season?
A big reason why the Carolina Panthers were able to reach the playoffs and win the NFC South last season was because of the defense. Carolina's defense was pretty good last season, and as we head into 2026, they are hoping to get even better.
The Panthers made some moves to address key spots, adding pass rusher Jaelan Phillips as well as linebacker Devin Lloyd. Both are expected to play a big role this season and be leaders on this defense.
But there are some questions still to be answered defensively this year. One of those questions is who will start opposite of Lloyd this season. After this weekend and a preseason game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, that other starting linebacker spot is still a competition.
Both Trevin Wallace and Claudin Cherelus are competing for the starting spot opposite of Lloyd. Neither did enough to separate themselves in the win over Jacksonville and now, ESPN reporter Mike Kaye is hinting that the Panthers could look elsewhere for an option.
Here is what Kaye wrote on the situation:
Carolina didn't play Devin Lloyd, so Trevin Wallace and Claudin Cherelus both started Friday. Neither defender has gained an advantage in their position battle this summer, and the depth behind Lloyd could be upgraded before Week 1.
Similar to tight end, it wouldn't be surprising to see the Panthers search for a veteran free agent linebacker before or after the cut-down deadline next week.
For Wallace and Cherelus, there's not much time to make a better impression. With just one preseason game left and a handful of practices before cut down day, time is running out. However, one big game against Houston could change things for either of them.
As for the Panthers' plan, if Kaye is right and they opt to find another solution, Dan Morgan is going to have to be on the look out in terms of the free-agent market with roster cuts to find his replacement. There can be good players available due to roster cuts but ideally, the Panthers would hope that someone in house could fill that role and win the starting job.
