An NFL analyst got honest on the Carolina Panthers' biggest question entering draft month.
With the 2026 NFL Draft almost here, one NFL analyst has a big question for the Carolina Panthers.
Brad Gagnon of Bleacher Report thinks the Panthers need to ask themselves this: How will they handle continued shuffling on the offensive line?
"This is a fragile situation. As mentioned, offensive line continuity is critical when you're trying to develop a young quarterback and take an emerging offense to the next level. But Cade Mays is gone, leaving questions at center. Yosh Nijman retired suddenly, and Ikem Ekwonu is recovering from a torn patellar tendon. Meanwhile, they brought in Rasheed Walker and Luke Fortner. Are they done? Probably not. Will they get it right? Jury's out."
The Panthers signed Rasheed Walker to a one-year deal worth up to $10 million this offseason. Walker, a former seventh-round pick out of Penn State, started the last three seasons at left tackle for the Green Bay Packers. The veteran is looking forward to blocking for QB Bryce Young next season.
"Bryce Young, he's a great player," Walker said. "He texted me when I signed, he said, 'Hey, what's up,' and he showed some love. I've been watching some of his highlights. He's just a good player, great athlete. I love when my quarterback is an athlete, that's always good. I'm going to protect him. I'm going to do my job and protect him."
Young finished the 2025 season with 3,011 passing yards, 23 passing touchdowns, 11 interceptions, 216 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns. He led the Panthers to the playoffs for the first time since the 2017 campaign.
The Panthers made the playoffs last season, losing to the Los Angeles Rams in the wild-card round. Walker said something was happening in Carolina that attracted him to the opportunity, saying it felt like a "home environment."
"I just saw the opportunity," Walker said. "And I like where the program was headed, and I just wanted to be a part of it. So that's why I chose Carolina."
With Walker in the fold, it will be fascinating to see if Young's sack numbers go down in 2025.
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