Calling the Carolina Panthers‘ 2025 defense “mid” can be considered a compliment.
2024 saw the team field what was literally the most generous unit in league history, as they allowed a single-season NFL record of 534 points. But last year, while capturing their first NFC South title in a decade, the Panthers finished 16th in total defense—a huge leap forward from their 32nd rank that nightmarish campaign prior.
So there’s no doubt that the bunch is on the rise, especially after some big-time additions this offseason. Even still, every level has its wrinkles to iron out.
Here, ahead of 2026 training camp, is one burning question for each of Carolina’s position groups on defense . . .
DL: Who steps up alongside Derrick Brown?
Brown, who missed 16 of 17 games in 2024, played an enormous part in last season’s ascent. He can’t, however, continue to be the only Panthers defensive lineman who is stepping up to tighten the trench.
Between the release of A’Shawn Robinson and the neck injury to starter Tershawn Wharton, who is expected to miss some time into the regular season, the line is rather thin. Outside of Brown, Carolina can roll out the likes of Bobby Brown III, Cam Jackson, LaBryan Ray, 2026 second-round pick Lee Hunter and undrafted rookie signee Aaron Hall.
If that’s the collection of linemen the Panthers are going into the season with, then someone is going to have to play above their means.
OLB: How deep is the rotation?
One of those aforementioned big-time additions the front office made was outside linebacker Jaelan Phillips, free agency’s largest catch at a four-year, $120 million deal. He’ll slot into the starting lineup next to 2025 second-round selection Nic Scourton, whose 5.0 sacks as a rookie tied for the team lead in 2025.
While the duo of Phillips and Scourton is solid, the defense will need some extra juice off the edge. The rotation will turn to Pat Jones II, a signee from last spring, and 2025 third-rounder Princely Umanmielen.
Together, Jones and Umanmielen combined for just 2.5 sacks this past season. That lack of production can be attributed to the former missing the final 13 games with a back injury and the latter not getting many opportunities to chase opposing quarterbacks.
To keep Phillips and Scourton fresh and help improve on one of the NFL’s worst pass rushes, Jones and/or Umanmielen will have to factor in.
ILB: Will Trevin Wallace keep his job?
The second of Carolina’s two big additions was inside linebacker Devin Lloyd. A first-time Pro Bowler in 2025, Lloyd brings a little bit of everything to the middle of the Panthers defense, and is probably the most skilled ‘backer the franchise has had since Luke Kuechly.
Lloyd’s partner, however, is no sure thing.
Wallace, like his fellow 2024 draftee in wideout Xavier Legette, hasn’t taken advantage of the chances he’s been given. He’s struggled against the run, hasn’t been too reliable in coverage and had both of his first two seasons cut short due to shoulder injuries.
Since the depth behind Wallace isn’t exactly great, his leash may be longer than it should be here in 2026. If he continues to disappoint, how long will that leash run?
Other options include Claudin Cherelus, 2025 undrafted signee Bam Martin-Scott and 2026 sixth-round pick Jackson Kuwatch.
CB: Who mans the slot?
Jaycee Horn and Mike Jackson are amongst the NFL’s very best one-two punches at the cornerback position. It’s the spot in between them that is up for debate.
Heading into camp, the favorites to man the slot are Corey Thornton and Chau Smith-Wade. Thornton, according to head coach Dave Canales, actually won the nickel job in the middle of his rookie campaign in 2025 before falling to a season-ending fibula fracture.
With that endorsement, as well as Smith-Wade’s work at safety during spring workouts, Thornton appears to be the frontrunner. Can he hold on?
S: Can Nick Scott be bumped?
Speaking of the safety position, Nick Scott is once again favored to start with Tre’von Moehrig on the backend. Contrary to popular belief, he had himself a decent showing in 2025, and wouldn’t be the worst possible starter to pencil in.
But there is room for improvement beyond the eighth-year veteran, specifically in the play-making department.
2025 fourth-rounder Lathan Ransom and 2026 fifth-rounder Zakee Wheatley both possess better ball skills than Scott. If the Panthers are hoping to produce more game-altering plays, then it may be time for one of those youngsters to take over.
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This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: 1 burning question for the Panthers at each defensive position group in 2026
