The Carolina Panthers are just about to start the 2026 season. There are some high expectations around Charlotte as the Panthers look to repeat as NFC South champions.
It’s a critical year for the team as a whole due to being the reigning division champions. But there are a few players who have some personal reasons for this being an important campaign.
Today, let’s talk about four players who are entering make-or-break seasons for the Panthers. These are players who could either secure a long-term future with Carolina or be on a different team in 2027, depending on how this season goes.
QB Bryce Young
This one is obvious, but there’s probably nobody with more on the line in 2026 than Young. The quarterback needs to build off his best-ever season in 2025 and prove that he’s the franchise guy.
With another solid season, Young likely gets the Panthers back to the playoffs and earns a massive extension. With a poor or disappointing season, Young could potentially be traded next offseason. The quarterback is set to play on the fifth-year option in 2027 and hit free agency after that season.
Extension talks haven’t gone far this offseason, as the Panthers want Young to prove himself a bit more. It’s hard to have more riding on a season than Young does in 2026.
RB Jonathon Brooks
Brooks was a second-round pick in 2024, but due to multiple ACL injuries, he’s only played in three NFL games. The running back was once a highly touted prospect and thought of as the future of the team’s backfield, but he’s running out of time.
Earlier this summer, Brooks looked awesome. Then, in the preseason, Brooks didn’t take advantage of his opportunities, and it looked like he wasn’t ready to be the full-time starter. Yes, the Panthers invested an early pick on him, but if Brooks gets hurt again or fails to impress, his future becomes unclear.
If Brooks stars in 2026, he could go into 2027 as the lead back. If he struggles, he could end up being on the chopping block.
WR Xavier Legette
© Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
Xavier Legette was frequently floated in trade rumors this offseason. However, the third-year receiver did nothing but impress this summer and at camp, and it’s clear the team is counting on him in 2026.
As a first-round pick, Legette has never really come close to living up to that status. The receiver ended with 497 yards as a rookie and just 363 yards last season. If he has another season around that level of production, his days in Carolina will be numbered.
The Panthers have Tetairoa McMillan as the WR1, and Jalen Coker is solid, so Legette really just needs to be a reliable WR3. If he can’t even do that, the Panthers will probably cut bait.
OLB Patrick Jones II
The Panthers signed Jones to a two-year deal ahead of the 2025 season. Last year, the veteran only played in four games and collected one sack. It’s safe to say that was not what the Panthers were expecting when they added him.
Jones is being counted on even more in 2026 as Nic Scourton is out for the season. If the veteran can play up to the contract he received, then the Panthers will survive Scourton’s injury. If he doesn’t, though, the Panthers’ pass rush could be among the league’s worst again.
This is also a contract year for Jones. With a solid campaign, he could be in for another big payday.
