The Carolina Panthers are not afraid to spend big-time in free agency, and it's been a theme of General Manager Dan Morgan's tenure. The team did make some strides in 2025, too. Despite finishing with a losing record, Carolina won the NFC South and did give the Los Angeles Rams some fits in the Wild Card Round.
However, an 8-9 team is still a losing team and in many instances a flat-out bad team. Sure, the Panthers season was great for the fans, but the roster still has some notable question marks, and there might still be some questions about the quarterback. In 2026, something has to give one way or another.
After a massive spending spree in free agency for Carolina, let's get into a Panthers mock draft here.
Updated Carolina Panthers mock draft following active free agency
19. Denzel Boston, WR, Washington
Given how well Tetairoa McMillan played in 2025, I'd not be shocked if the front office sought out another big, physical wide receiver. It would really put a strain on opposing defenses. Denzel Boston is a physical receiver in the mold of Puka Nacua, and the Panthers do actually have a need for another pass-catcher.
Boston is 6-4 and 212 pounds, so he's almost identical in size to McMillan, who caught 70 passes for 1,014 yards and seven touchdowns. Opposing defensive backs would have a heck of a time stopping this potential duo.
51. Brandon Cisse, CB, South Carolina
Adding some help in the secondary would also not be a bad idea. The Panthers take Brandon Cisse from South Carolina here in the second round. The secondary investment has been notable from Morgan, and in free agency, the defensive line and linebacking group saw major additions. Carolina's defense has been a bit of an issue in recent years, so it's up to Morgan to figure out some long-term solutions.
If the defense can take another step forward in 2026, the Panthers would begin to round-out as a complete team.
83. Garrett Nussmeier, QB, LSU
The next pick here is Garrett Nussmeier with the 83rd selection. At this point, the Panthers still don't really have any long-term quarterback clarity. In 2025, Bryce Young went 8-8 in 16 starts and threw 23 touchdowns against 11 interceptions, which presented a notable jump from 2023 and 2024.
However, now having three years under his belt, it's still not clear if Young is truly a franchise quarterback. He's still largely been a bad passer, and if the Panthers front office was smart, they would invest in a rookie at the position to at least push Young.
Ideally, the fourth-year quarterback would take another step forward and actually cement himself as a franchise passer, but it's not something that Carolina can simply wait around and hope for.
119. Jack Endries, TE, Texas
The Panthers need some more tight end, help, as it doesn't look super promising for 2024 draft pick Ja'Tavion Sanders just does not seem to be developing. Carolina being able to get a legitimate tight end for this offense would really benefit this entire unit.
They'll take a chance on Jack Endries here at pick 119 in an otherwise very deep class at the position.
158. Matt Gulbin, OC, Michigan State
The Panthers lost center Cade Mays in free agency to the Detroit Lions and now do have a vacancy along the offensive line. They'll take Matt Gulbin from Michigan State and try to develop him into a starter.
Besides the quarterback, who may not even touch the football on every play, the center indeed does, so this position is one of the most important on the roster.
159. Tim Keenan III, DT, Alabama
Standing at 6-1 and 327 pounds, Tim Keenan III is a densely-built defensive tackle who could come in on run downs for the Panthers defense. He may end up being nothing more than a rotational player, but depth is always key.
200. Vincent Anthony Jr., EDGE, Duke
The Panthers finish up this mock draft with some more defensive line help, taking Vincent Anthony Jr. from Duke.