Panthers adding veterans at two positions in free agency 'wouldn't be surprising'

The Carolina Panthers beat the Jacksonville Jaguars 34-17 in Week 2 of the NFL preseason, and while it was a nice win with some good moments, it did highlight two areas of concern.

With the season just around the corner, the Panthers could be eyeing upgrades at a few different spots like most teams. But, more specifically, the Panthers have two positions they really should try to improve.

ESPN's Mike Kaye noted how it "wouldn't be surprising" if the Panthers wound up adding a tight end and linebacker in free agency before or after 53-man roster cutdowns, as long as the additions come ahead of the 2026 NFL season.

Panthers could add TE and LB depth before 2026 season

"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," Kaye reports.

The Panthers' need for a new tight end is already well-known, even after they signed Darren Waller. But the linebacker position, as seen from their Friday night preseason game against the Jaguars, is a big need as well.

Devin Lloyd didn't play, leaving Trevin Wallace, Bam Martin-Scott, Claudin Cherelus, Jackson Kuwatch, Isaiah Simmons, Maema Njongmeta, and Mapalo Mwansa as the linebackers Dave Canales and the Panthers could turn to.

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It's clearly a lackluster group, and adding another veteran to the LB corps might be all this defense needs to feel like there isn't a massive hole on the defense.

The same goes for the tight end position, as Tommy Tremble, Waller, Mitchell Evans, and Ja'Tavion Sanders are likely not a good-enough room just yet. Another addition, maybe someone like Zach Ertz, could make sense.

Bobby Wagner and Bobby Okereke might be their best linebacker options, but some other interesting names will surely become available as teams start trimming their rosters.

Panthers fans should be on the lookout for any linebacker or tight end roster moves, as it would not be a surprise to see Carolina swing a deal, either through a free-agent signing or a trade, by the start of the regular season at both positions.

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