As the Carolina Panthers slowly enter the 2026 offseason, general manager Dan Morgan and the front office will now look to bolster the roster before next season.

The organization’s incredible run during the 2025 season saw the Panthers make the playoffs for the first time since 2017, but they were unfortunately eliminated by the Los Angeles Rams in the first round. This now puts Morgan in an intriguing spot heading into the 2026 NFL Draft, as Carolina holds the No. 19 pick.

One of the primary needs for the franchise this offseason will be addressing the defensive line. The Panthers’ pass rush this past year was subpar at best, with 2025 second-round pick Nic Scourton being the main facilitator in the trenches.

However, there is a good chance that Morgan will not be in range to select one of the top defensive linemen in the upcoming draft, which means Carolina may need to attack another position group in round one.

Luckily, there is a good chance that a talented offensive weapon could fall into the lap of the organization on draft night.

Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq was clearly one of the top pass catchers in college football this past season, finishing the year with 51 catches for 560 yards and eight touchdowns. Sadiq played a key role in the Ducks’ offensive attack, as his unique 6-foot-3, 245-pound frame allowed him to be a lethal threat at all three levels of the field.

While the tight end position may not be a pressing need for the Panthers this offseason, there is a good chance that Sadiq could ultimately be the only correct pick in round one.

2024 fourth-round pick and the team’s current tight end, Ja’Tavion Sanders, has yet to take the next step throughout his first two seasons in the NFL. Sanders, in 29 games played with the Panthers, has tallied 62 catches for 532 receiving yards and two touchdowns.

If Carolina truly wants to bolster the front lines on defense for the 2026 season, Morgan could target Florida’s Caleb Banks or Ohio State’s Kayden McDonald at pick No. 19.

But with defensive tackle Derrick Brown coming off an impressive 2025 campaign, it’s clear that the Panthers would be better off signing a veteran EDGE in free agency to assist Brown and Scourton.

Looking at how the offense would be if Morgan selects Sadiq, the Panthers would have a young, dynamic pass-catching trio that features Tetairoa McMillan, Jalen Coker, and Sadiq. Giving quarterback Bryce Young plenty of weapons at his disposal would help the front office determine whether or not to extend Young, who is set to enter his fourth season in 2026.

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