The Carolina Panthers, after an incredible run during the 2025 NFL season, are now in a position to make multiple key acquisitions to improve the roster for next season.

Luckily, there has been one move that continues to be a difference maker for the franchise, as 24-year-old wide receiver Jalen Coker has proven to be one of the most underrated players in the NFL.

According to Panthers beat writer David Newton, head coach Dave Canales claimed earlier this month that Coker will enter this offseason as the team’s No. 2 wide receiver, despite being an exclusive rights free agent.

“The Panthers' top offseason priority isn't actually an unrestricted free agent,” Newton wrote. “It's locking in wide receiver Jalen Coker for the long term. He's an exclusive rights free agent, so the Panthers simply could tender him an offer for the league minimum to ensure he's on the roster for 2026 at a low cost. But coach Dave Canales has already declared that Coker will enter the offseason as the No. 2 receiver behind 2025 first-round pick Tetairoa McMillan.”

Coker, a former UDFA in the 2024 NFL Draft, has quickly emerged as one of Carolina’s top receiving threats throughout his first two seasons in the league.

As a rookie, the FBS standout pass catcher recorded 478 receiving yards and two touchdowns on 32 receptions during the 2024 season.

However, Coker would face some adversity to kick off his second year in the NFL, as he would miss the beginning of the season. Fortunately for the Panthers, the young playmaker would play in 12 games this past year, finishing with 528 receiving yards and four touchdowns.

This included a massive performance in the NFC Wild Card round against the Los Angeles Rams, posting nine catches for 134 yards and one touchdown.

While the emergence of Coker continues to pay off for Carolina as he enters the 2026 season, the main issue with the team’s wide receiving corps now becomes 2024 first-round pick Xavier Legette and his role on offense.

The former South Carolina wide receiver has failed to live up to the high expectations set upon him coming out of college. In his first two seasons with the Panthers, Legette has recorded 860 receiving yards and seven touchdowns on just 84 catches.

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