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Jun 23, 2026

The 5 Carolina Panthers Sure to Surge in 2026

The 5 Carolina Panthers Sure to Surge in 2026

The reigning NFC South champions are headed in the right direction. Dave Canales’s club has five players in position to make huge impacts this upcoming season.Russell Baxter|
Jan 10, 2026; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers wide receiver Jalen Coker (18) reacts after making a touchdown against the Los Angeles Rams in the second half during the NFC Wild Card Round game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
Jan 10, 2026; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers wide receiver Jalen Coker (18) reacts after making a touchdown against the Los Angeles Rams in the second half during the NFC Wild Card Round game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images | Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

In this story:

Carolina Panthers

The improvment and results have been stark. The Carolina Panthers were a 2-15 football team in 2023, but are now a defending division champion, albeit with an 8-9 win-loss record.

The Panthers still haven't finished above .500 since the 2017 season and there has not been a playoff victory since the 2025 NFC title game.

However, things are certainly looking up thanks to the combination of general manager Dan Morgan and head coach Dave Canales. Perhaps this is the year they snap both of those hexes.

In any case, we believe that an unsung veteran defender, a 2026 second-round pick, a pair of second-year performers, and an undrafted free agent in 2024 are primed to make their marks this upcoming season and lead Carolina to a playof win.

5. CB Mike Jackson

This pick-6 by Mike Jackson made him the fastest player this season in game speed!

A blazing speed of 20.88mph👀🔥#KeepPounding
pic.twitter.com/4Pp3ZaluxU

— SleeperPanthers (@SleeperCarolina) January 24, 2026

In 2024, Morgan swung a deal for Mike Jackson, a journeyman cornerback who had entered the league as a fifth-round pick of the Dallas Cowboys in 2019. Jackson didn’t see much playing time in his first three NFL seasons, but hasn’t missed a game the past four years.

mike jackson
Jan 3, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving (7) runs against Carolina Panthers cornerback Mike Jackson (2) in the first half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images | Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

He’s really found his niche with the Panthers. In a combined 35 starts (including playoffs) with Canales’s squad, he’s totaled seven interceptions—including a pick-six of Matthew Stafford in last season’s regular-season win over the Rams (Week 13) and 40 passes defensed.

Jackson may be on the verge of Pro Bowl honors.

4. DT Lee Hunter

Lee Hunter in 2025:

💥 50 Tackles
🤚12 TFLs
💪 2.5 Sacks

Carolina got a good one 🤞 pic.twitter.com/SgnBWYrJRN

— SleeperPanthers (@SleeperCarolina) April 25, 2026

The 2024 Panthers were lowlighted by an abysmal run defense, allowing a distressing 179.8 yards per game on the ground. They were better this past season (123.3), mainly because standout Derrick Brown was healthy (he missed all but 1 game in 2024).

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