Full Projection of Panthers' Starting Lineup Following Week 1 Preseason Loss

We've seen the Carolina Panthers play two preseason games already, so we have a decent idea of who will make the team. Of course, there are depth spots at the bottom that are still up for grabs, but for the most part, we know who will fill the most important spots. The projected starters got to see ...

by Bryce Lazenby

Aug 16, 2026

Carolina Panthers defensive tackle Derrick Brown (95) during the second quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Bank of America Stadium.

Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

We've seen the Carolina Panthers play two preseason games already, so we have a decent idea of who will make the team.

Of course, there are depth spots at the bottom that are still up for grabs, but for the most part, we know who will fill the most important spots. The projected starters got to see the field against the Buffalo Bills on Saturday, and they should play a little bit more before the preseason ends.

With that in mind, let's go ahead and predict what the Panthers' starting lineup will look like in 2026.

Panthers' Starting Offense

Nov 30, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) throws a pass during the first quarter against the Los Angeles Rams at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Kinser-Imagn Images

Quarterback:Bryce Young

Running Back:Chuba Hubbard

Wide Receiver:Tetairoa McMillan

Wide Receiver: Xavier Legette

Tight End: Darren Waller

Slot Receiver: Jalen Coker

Left Tackle: Rasheed Walker

Left Guard: Damien Lewis

Center: Luke Fortner

Right Guard: Robert Hunt

Right Tackle: Monroe Freeling

Most of the offense is pretty straightforward. There are only three starting spots that are still up for grabs: center, tight end, and running back.

Luke Fortner is clearly ahead of rookie Sam Hecht at center, and I predict it will stay that way. The recent signing of Darren Waller adds intrigue to the tight end spot, and Chuba Hubbard is going to have to fend off Jonathon Brooks at running back.

Panthers' Starting Defense

Carolina Panthers defensive tackle Derrick Brown (95) during the second quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Bank of America Stadium.

Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

Defensive End: Derrick Brown

Nose Tackle:Bobby Brown III

Defensive Tackle: Lee Hunter

Outside Linebacker: Jaelan Phillips

Linebacker:Devin Lloyd

Linebacker: Trevin Wallace

Outside Linebacker: Patrick Jones II

Cornerback: Jaycee Horn

Cornerback:Mike Jackson

Safety: Tre'von Moehrig

Safety: Nick Scott

There aren't many surprises on defense either. Nic Scourton's loss is huge, so hopefully Patrick Jones II can make up for that loss. The veteran is going to have to fend off Princely Umanmielen, who's having a nice summer.

Cam Jackson is listed as a starter on the depth chart for now, but I expect rookie Lee Hunter to take over. At safety, Zakee Wheatley had a nice game against the Bills, but this coaching staff loves Nick Scott. Finally, I have Trevin Wallace holding off Claudin Cherelus for the starting linebacker job next to Devin Lloyd.

Panthers' Specialists

Aug 21, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers place kicker Ryan Fitzgerald (35) during the first quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

Mandatory Credit&colon; Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

Kicker: Ryan Fitzgerald

Punter: Sam Martin

Long Snapper: J.J. Jansen

Punt Returner: Trevor Etienne

Kick Returner: Trevor Etienne

The kicker, punter, and long snapper jobs are set in stone, barring injury. Trevor Etienne is making the team due to his special teams prowess, so it would be a disappointment if he didn't win the returner jobs.

John Metchie III did have a nice kick return in the Hall of Fame Game, so if he makes the team, he could factor in there.