Carolina Panthers News

NFC SOUTH

Jonathon Brooks • RB • Panthers

Jonathon Brooks Has a Path to Fantasy Relevance in 2026

Carolina Panthers running back Jonathon Brooks (knee) has been dealt some very unfortunate injury luck since entering the NFL. Brooks tore his ACL in November 2023 while still at Texas, causing him to fall to the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft. The injury cost him the first few weeks of his NFL career, but he debuted in Week 12 of the 2024 season with a very small workload. He ultimately played just three games that season before suffering another ACL tear, and he has been sidelined ever since. Brooks' recovery timetable suggests that he should be healthy for the 2026 season. It's fair for fantasy managers to have their doubts about Brooks, given that he has just 12 touches through two years, but we can't forget how productive he was at Texas. Additionally, he should benefit from a clear path to productivity in Carolina. Rico Dowdle is expected to depart in free agency and Trevor Etienne had an underwhelming season, resulting in a wide-open competition for the No. 2 running back role behind Chuba Hubbard. If healthy, Brooks could be the favorite for that role. He'd presumably be eased back into action, but he has top-40 running back appeal if he's healthy for Week 1.

3 days ago

Bryce Young • QB • Panthers

Bryce Young Shows Signs of Progress in Encouraging 2025 Campaign

Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young may never fully live up to his prospect pedigree as the No. 1 overall selection in the 2023 NFL Draft. However, the 24-year-old made definite strides in his third NFL season in 2025 and led Carolina to its first playoff berth since 2017. Across 16 games, Young completed 63.6% of his pass attempts for 3,011 yards, 23 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions while also adding 216 yards and two scores as a rusher. While Young averaged a middling 6.3 yards per pass attempt for the season as a whole, that number improved to a much more respectable 7.2 yards per attempt over his final seven games played of the regular season. While the Panthers are reportedly not expected to push to sign Young to an extension this offseason, the team is likely to pick up the fifth-year option on his rookie contract after his successful 2025 campaign. As such, Young should have a bit more runway in Carolina to continue to develop and establish himself as the organization's long-term answer under center. Young is far from a high-end fantasy quarterback, but his stock in dynasty formats is moderately improved following his 2025 output.

4 days ago

Tetairoa McMillan • WR • Panthers

Tetairoa McMillan Named Offensive Rookie of the Year

Carolina Panthers first-round wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan was named the 2025 Offensive Rookie of the Year on Thursday night, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. McMillan got to work right away after Carolina took him eighth overall in the 2025 NFL Draft out of Arizona. The 22-year-old operated as quarterback Bryce Young's top target from the get-go and finished his rookie campaign with 70 receptions on 122 targets for 1,014 yards and seven touchdowns in 17 regular-season games. He also caught five of his seven targets for 81 yards in the Wild-Card loss to the Los Angeles Rams in his first career playoff game. McMillan's strong chemistry with Young bodes well for his future, and he'll head into Year 2 in 2026 with clear WR1 potential, although the lack of passing volume in Carolina's offense could be an issue.

Feb 5

Chuba Hubbard • RB • Panthers

Chuba Hubbard Unlikely to Hold a Bell-Cow Role in 2026

Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard's RB15 finish in 2024 made him a popular early-to-mid-round pick in 2025, but after missing time and ceding primary early down work to a more efficient Rico Dowdle upon his return, he finished as the RB40. Dowdle, who was on a one-year deal, has been vocal about wanting to be featured as a lead back, but whether he returns to Carolina or not, it's unlikely that Hubbard will again see the type of volume that made him a fantasy league-winner in 2024. Hubbard's usage in the passing game has ranked among the least efficient in the league over his five-year career, and his near-300 touches in 2024 came largely as a result of the unexpected absence of second-round pick Jonathon Brooks, who could be back to fight for a starting role in 2026. Regardless of who Hubbard finds himself sharing a backfield with next season, the 27-year-old has likely seen the last of his bell-cow duties.

Feb 1

Jalen Coker • WR • Panthers

Jalen Coker Enters the Offseason as No. 2 Receiver

Carolina Panthers head coach Dave Canales said that wide receiver Jalen Coker will enter the offseason as the team's No. 2 wideout behind 2025 first-rounder Tetairoa McMillan, according to David Newton of ESPN. Newton also writes that the Panthers' top offseason priority is locking Coker down long term. He's an exclusive-rights free agent, so the team could tender him an offer for the league minimum to ensure that he's around in 2026 at a low cost. The 24-year-old came on strong late in 2025 and had nine catches for 134 yards and one touchdown in the Wild-Card loss to the Los Angeles Rams. If the Panthers truly believe in Coker, they could look to lock him up long-term at a reasonable price. Injuries have limited Coker to 22 regular-season games in his first two years in the NFL, but when on the field, he's been productive, catching 65 passes for 872 yards and five touchdowns on 89 targets. If he can finally stay healthy in Year 3, Coker has true breakout potential.

Jan 30

Rico Dowdle • RB • Panthers

Rico Dowdle Appears Headed for an Exit in Free Agency

ESPN's David Newton writes that unless Carolina Panthers running back Rico Dowdle wants to "return at a bargain price," he "appears headed to this third team in three seasons." General manager Dan Morgan said he had a good meeting with Dowdle after the season, but Dowdle was unhappy with the way the year ended -- he had seven carries for 10 yards in the Week 18 regular-season finale and only five carries for nine yards in the Wild-Card loss to the Los Angeles Rams. The 27-year-old has produced back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons and was Carolina's leading rusher (1,076 yards), but he'd likely be in a committee backfield again with Chuba Hubbard if he were to re-sign. Hubbard is locked in through the 2028 campaign on a four-year, $33.2 million deal he signed in 2024. "I just want to be a guy who can go out there and just get the bulk [of the carries]," Dowdle said.

Jan 30

Rico Dowdle • RB • Panthers

Rico Dowdle's Stock Rising as he Enters Free Agency

Carolina Panthers running back Rico Dowdle had a second straight 1,000-yard season in 2025 in his first year with the Panthers. Dowdle had a nearly identical campaign to the one he had with the Dallas Cowboys in 2024, although he had a career-high seven touchdowns (six rushing, one receiving) in 17 regular-season games. The 27-year-old had a career-high 236 rushing attempts (one more than last year) for 1,076 yards and six rushing scores. Dowdle had a stretch from Week 5 to Week 9 when backfield mate Chuba Hubbard was injured, where he was one of the most productive backs in the NFL, handling 103 carries for 652 yards and three touchdowns while also catching 10 passes for 112 yards and another TD in five games. Dowdle struggled to produce meaningful numbers for fantasy managers the rest of the way while sharing touches with Hubbard, and he only had five carries for nine yards while losing a fumble in the playoff loss to the Rams. Dowdle proved the last two seasons that he can handle a heavier workload. He's looking for a bigger role and seems likely to depart in free agency in 2026. Dowdle's fantasy value next season will depend entirely on where he's playing.

Jan 29

Jalen Coker • WR • Panthers

Breakout Season Could be Coming if Jalen Coker Stays Healthy

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Jalen Coker's stats in his first two NFL seasons don't stand out. He has produced 65 catches on 89 targets for 872 yards and five touchdowns in 22 regular-season games. The 24-year-old former undrafted free agent out of Holy Cross has played in exactly 11 games in each of his first two years in the NFL due to injuries. A quad ailment was the reason he didn't debut in 2025 until Week 7. It took Coker a little while to get in the groove, but once he did, he was essentially Carolina's WR2 behind impressive rookie first-rounder Tetairoa McMillan. In the last five games of the regular season, Coker had 19 grabs for 244 yards and three touchdowns, and he stepped up in the playoff loss to the Los Angeles Rams for a 9-134-1 line. If Coker can finally stay healthy in 2026, he has the potential for a Year 3 breakout as the Panthers' WR2.

Jan 27

Tetairoa McMillan • WR • Panthers

Tetairoa McMillan Set to Build on Encouraging Rookie Season

Across 17 games in 2025, Carolina Panthers wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan recorded 70 receptions for 1,014 yards and seven touchdowns on 122 targets. The number eight overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, McMillan established himself as the number one wide receiver in Carolina right away as a rookie. The 22-year-old also closed the season strong, recording five of his seven touchdown catches from Week 11 onwards. Heading into 2026, McMillan should have the benefit of stability in Carolina. The Panthers made the playoffs in 2025 for the first time since 2017 and figure to retain both quarterback Bryce Young and play-calling head coach Dave Canales. Carolina struggled to find reliable pass-catchers outside of McMillan in 2025, so the team could look to bring in additional talent. However, any potential additions seem unlikely to unseat McMillan as the option in the pass game. All in all, McMillan profiles as a fantasy wide receiver on the rise in both dynasty and redraft formats after his strong rookie season.

Jan 27

Ikem Ekwonu • OT • Panthers

Ikem Ekwonu Undergoes Knee Surgery

Carolina Panthers left tackle Ikem Ekwonu (knee) underwent surgery on his right knee this week to fix a ruptured patellar tendon that he suffered in last weekend's Wild-Card loss to the Los Angeles Rams, according to Joseph Person of The Athletic. Orthopedist David Chao predicted that Ekwonu will miss the start of next season and might not be fully recovered until 2027. The Panthers already exercised Ekwonu's fifth-year option, guaranteeing the former sixth overall pick in 2022 $17.6 million for 2026. Contract-extension talks with the organization will now take a back seat to the 25-year-old's recovery. Ekwonu's knee will be immobilized for four to six weeks. There's a possibility that Ekwonu will be ready to play again in October, but he might not be back to his normal self until the start of the 2027 season for the Panthers' offensive line.

Jan 16

Bryce Young • QB • Panthers

Panthers Non-Committal on Bryce Young Extension

Carolina Panthers general manager Dan Morgan was non-committal on Tuesday when asked if the team is considering a contract extension for quarterback Bryce Young, according to David Newton of ESPN. "We're still talking through the roster. It's up in the air, and we're still working through it," Morgan said. Young had the best season of his young career in 2025, setting career highs in completion percentage (63.6%), passing yards (3,011), and touchdown passes (23) while throwing 11 interceptions in 16 regular-season starts. The 24-year-old former first overall pick in 2023 led the Panthers to their first postseason appearance since 2018. The Panthers are expected to pick up Young's fifth-year option, but it wouldn't be a surprise if they hold off on a long-term extension until after the 2026 season.

Jan 13

Chuba Hubbard • RB • Panthers

Chuba Hubbard Scores a Pair of Touchdowns in Season-Ending Loss

Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard tallied 13 carries, 46 rushing yards, and two rushing touchdowns during Saturday's Wild Card loss against the Los Angeles Rams. He also caught two of four targets for an additional 13 receiving yards. Hubbard lost his lead-back role to Rico Dowdle during the middle of the season, but he seemed to reclaim his top spot over the final few weeks. As the Panthers were eliminated on Saturday, Hubbard registered 15 touches while Dowdle had just six. Dowdle is an impending free agent, so Hubbard should be a fringe top-24 fantasy running back heading into 2026 fantasy football drafts. It's unclear whether Jonathan Brooks (knee) or Trevor Etienne will be able to carve out a role next year.

Jan 12

Jalen Coker • WR • Panthers

Jalen Coker Explodes for 134 Yards as Panthers Fall Short

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Jalen Coker caught nine of his 12 targets for 134 yards and one touchdown during Saturday's Wild Card loss against the Los Angeles Rams. Coker stepped up as Bryce Young's favorite target as the former No. 1 pick attempted 40 passes in the Panthers' comeback effort. The Panthers' effort, fueled by a career-best game from Coker, was admirable, but it came up short against a Rams team that dropped 14 points early. Coker has a chance to enter the 2026 season as Carolina's No. 2 wide receiver behind Tetairoa McMillan and ahead of Xavier Legette. We can't rule out the possibility of Carolina adding another quality pass-catcher during the offseason, though.

Jan 12

Ikem Ekwonu • OT • Panthers

Ikem Ekwonu Suffers Ruptured Patellar Tendon in Wild-Card Round

Carolina Panthers left tackle Ikem Ekwonu (knee) was forced to exit early from his team's Wild Card Weekend loss to the Los Angeles Rams after suffering a knee injury. According to Mike Kaye of The Charlotte Observer, Panthers head coach Dave Canales said on Sunday that Ekwonu suffered a ruptured patellar tendon in his right knee and will require surgery. While Ekwonu's return timeline is not yet clear, he could be at risk of missing training camp and possibly even the start of the 2026 regular season. Pro Football Focus graded Ekwonu as the 37th-best tackle in the NFL out of 89 qualified players at the position for his work in 2025. With Ekwonu's health in question, the Panthers may need to prioritize acquiring depth at the tackle position over the offseason.

Jan 11

Rico Dowdle • RB • Panthers

Rico Dowdle Shows Frustration With Lack of Carries

Carolina Panthers running back Rico Dowdle, who will be a free agent in March, said his decreased number of carries at the end of the season will impact his thinking in free agency, according to Joe Person of The Athletic. Dowdle said he wants to go somewhere "where he can get the bulk of the carries." The 27-year-old was an unquestioned RB1 during the 2025 season when Chuba Hubbard missed time with an injury. However, Dowdle was involved in more of a timeshare late in the year following Hubbard's return, and he watched Hubbard score twice in the Wild-Card loss to the Los Angeles Rams on Saturday. He had only five rushing attempts for nine yards while adding one catch on two targets for six yards. In the final four regular-season games, Dowdle averaged only 3.3 yards per carry as his role shrank. It sounds as though Dowdle doesn't plan on signing in Carolina, but it remains to be seen if he'll be able to land a lead-back role elsewhere in free agency.

Jan 11

Bryce Young • QB • Panthers

Bryce Young May Struggle in First Career Playoff Game

Across 16 games in 2025, Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young completed 63.6% of his pass attempts for 3,011 yards, 23 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. The 24-year-old proved himself to be an effective game manager, but he struggled to produce consistent fantasy production in Carolina's run-heavy offense. Young topped 200 passing yards in just four games during the regular season. The Panthers' offense will face a tough test in the first round of the NFC playoffs against the Los Angeles Rams. Los Angeles finished the regular season ranked 11th in the NFL in yards per pass attempt allowed (6.8) and tied for seventh in sacks (47). It's worth noting that Young was highly efficient in the Panthers' Week 13 win over the Rams, completing 15 of 20 pass attempts for 206 yards and three touchdowns without committing a turnover. However, Carolina leaned heavily into the run game in that matchup with 40 total rush attempts. That could be the game plan again in the playoffs, which would limit Young's opportunities for production. All in all, Young profiles as a difficult quarterback for fantasy managers in playoff leagues to trust against the Rams.

Jan 10

Rico Dowdle • RB • Panthers

Rico Dowdle Lacks Upside for Wild-Card Matchup

Across 17 games this season, Carolina Panthers running back Rico Dowdle finished with 236 carries for 1,079 yards and six touchdowns while adding 39 catches (50 targets) for 297 yards and another score as a receiver. Dowdle was producing like a top running back in the league early in the season after taking over lead back duties over Chuba Hubbard, but his production had slid down the stretch as Hubbard became more involved. The 27-year-old's efficiency has also dipped significantly in the second half, handling 105 carries for 341 yards (3.2 YPC) since Week 10. He notched only nine touches in the regular season finale, his lowest since Week 8. Dowdle profiles as a borderline RB2/RB3 for Saturday's Wild Card matchup against the Los Angeles Rams, who have allowed the ninth-fewest PPR points per game to running backs this season.

Jan 10

Tetairoa McMillan • WR • Panthers

Tetairoa McMillan Profiles as Strong Option for Wild-Card Weekend

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan put together an impressive rookie campaign, finishing with 70 catches for 1,014 yards and seven touchdowns while playing all 17 games. McMillan is currently a heavy favorite to take home the Offensive Rookie of the Year award after serving as the engine of Carolina's passing attack. The 22-year-old wideout earned a team high 25.8% target share and recorded at least five receptions in seven games. He caught only one of his two targets in Carolina's Week 13 matchup against the Rams, but he thought it went for a 43-yard touchdown. McMillan is in a good position for a better statistical output in Saturday's rematch, as the Rams have allowed the third-most catches per game (5.4) and third-most yards per game (72.6) to opposing teams' WR1s this season.

Jan 10

Bryce Young • QB • Panthers

Panthers Expected to Pick Up Bryce Young's Fifth-Year Option

ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that the Carolina Panthers are expected to pick up quarterback Bryce Young's fifth-year option this offseason. All eight quarterbacks selected No. 1 overall since 2011 have had their fifth-year options exercised. Young has had an up-and-down third season in the league, completing 63.6% of his passes for 3,011 yards, 23 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions to go with 54 carries for 216 yards and two scores on the ground in 16 games. The 24-year-old signal caller has reached extreme heights, throwing for the fifth-most yards in a game this season with his 448-yard performance in Week 11. However, Young has also thrown for under 200 yards in 12 games. The 2023 No. 1 overall pick will look for more consistency in the future as he aims to establish himself as the Panthers' franchise quarterback.

Jan 10

Jalen Coker • WR • Panthers

Jalen Coker an Intriguing WR2 for Wild-Card Weekend

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Jalen Coker got a late start to the 2025 season while recovering from an injury, but he quickly established himself as the WR2 behind rookie first-rounder Tetairoa McMillan, finishing the regular season with 33 catches on 43 targets for 394 yards and a career-high three touchdowns in 11 games played in his second NFL season. Coker hasn't been flashy by any means and was not a top-50 wideout in terms of half-PPR points per game, but he is rolling into the postseason having scored three times in the last five games. He'll be an interesting low-end WR2 option for fantasy managers against the visiting Los Angeles Rams on Wild-Card weekend this Saturday. Coker caught four of six targets for 74 yards and a touchdown in the upset win over L.A. on Nov. 30, and the Rams defense allowed the 11th-most half-PPR points per game to opposing receivers during the regular season.

Jan 8

Carolina Panthers News

LEGEND