Panthers Named Landing Spot For Former First-Round Defender

After making the playoffs a year ago, the Carolina Panthers entered the 2026 NFL season ready to prove themselves again.

Carolina finished last season 8-9, but they won the NFC South, giving them a spot in the postseason. While the team didn't last long in the playoffs, the experience gained was needed, and this group had something to build on.

Over the offseason, the front office invested a lot into the defensive side of the ball, bringing in multiple new pieces. But so far this season, the defense hasn't improved much, with the Panthers struggling on that side of the field.

This could see Carolina look to make some moves at some point before the trade deadline expires, especially with the goal of getting back to the playoffs. The Panthers currently sit at 2-2 on the season, with the offense carrying the load for the team so far.

One name that could make a lot of sense is veteran defensive lineman Solomon Thomas of the Tennessee Titans. Thomas could be on the move this year, especially with the Titans struggling yet again to open the season.

NFL analyst Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report mentioned Thomas as a possible candidate for the Panthers to consider. Knox gave Thomas a trade value of a conditional seventh-round draft pick, and if that is the overall cost, Carolina should jump on the opportunity.

Thomas was originally drafted third overall in the 2017 NFL Draft by the San Francisco 49ers, and he has carved a very solid career for himself. While he hasn't made a Pro Bowl yet, Thomas can do some damage for this Panthers defense if traded for.

With the Titans, Thomas has only played in 25 percent of the defensive snaps, leading to questions about his playing time. The veteran may want a change of scenery, and Carolina could be one of the better landing spots for him.

Thomas will be a free agent after the season ends, so if the pairing doesn't work, the Panthers wouldn't have any long-term money attached. But the veteran could change the ceiling of this group, even just giving them some needed depth.

So far this season, Thomas has posted seven total tackles, appearing in all four games for the Titans. Thomas spent last season with the Dallas Cowboys, putting up 27 total tackles and one pass deflection.

This could be a low-risk move for the Panthers, especially if the cost is lower, but it could give this team a boost. Carolina has to do something with the defense, and this could be one way to help with everything.