The Carolina Panthers have a much more talented roster today than they did two years ago. General manager Dan Morgan deserves a ton of credit for that, and the hope is that the team isn't done improving just yet.
However, the Panthers have suffered some bad injury this luck this summer, which could force Morgan to switch up his plans. For example, the Panthers will be without both starting tackles for an extended period, while Nic Scourton and Chris Brazzell II are out for the season.
All of these injuries could greatly impact the season, so Morgan should act before it's too late. Today, let's identify three moves Morgan needs to make before Week 1.
Add a Veteran Tackle
We know the Panthers are going to be without Taylor Moton and Ikem Ekwonu for a while. Rasheed Walker is expected to man the left side, while Freeling handles the right.
The thing is there's not much depth behind that duo should they struggle. Right now, Stone Forsythe is in line to be the swing tackle, and behind him is just some undrafted free agents. It would make sense to add some experience, at least until Moton or Ekwonu come back.
Taylor Decker, Jonah Williams, and Cam Robinson are among the best tackles on the market.
Trade for Cole Kmet or Dawson Knox
It's no secret the Panthers' tight end room could use some work. The team is counting on the trio of Ja'Tavion Sanders, Tommy Tremble, and Mitchell Evans, after none of the three were all that impressive in 2025.
Morgan shouldn't be afraid to explore options on the trade market. Cole Kmet and Dawson Knox are both experienced veterans who are now behind younger tight ends on their respective teams.
Kmet caught 30 passes for 347 yards and three touchdowns last season. Knox, meanwhile, caught 36 passes for 417 yards and four touchdowns. Neither vet should cost too much, and either one would be a massive upgrade for the 2026 season.
Trade for Brian Burns or Kayvon Thibodeaux
Losing Scourton for the year is a big blow to a pass rush unit that wasn't that great to begin with. Without Scourton, the team seems set to rely on Patrick Jones II and Princely Umanmielen to man the edge opposite Jaelan Phillips.
That would be fine if the Panthers were still a rebuilding team, but they are the defending NFC South champions. It's time to call the Arizona Cardinals and ask what it would cost to get Josh Sweat in a trade. Sweat is rumored to want out, and he put up 12 sacks last season.
If Sweat can't be had, call up the New York Giants and ask for Kayvon Thibodeaux. Thibodeaux is behind Abdul Carter and Brian Burns, so the Giants may be willing to ship him out. Thibodeaux doesn't have the pedigree Sweat does, but he'd be cheaper and is still young.
