CHARLOTTE — The Carolina Panthers moved with surgical precision over the last 72 hours, locking down the “third phase” of the game before the market cools. After bringing back safety Nick Scott on a one-year deal Saturday and securing punter Sam Martin with a two-year extension Monday, the front office has shifted its focus. As of Tuesday morning, seven players from the 2025 roster remain in the free-agency wilderness, waiting for the phone to ring before the 2026 NFL Draft kicks off on April 23.
The Remaining Seven: Depth vs. Value
General Manager Dan Morgan hasn’t been shy about spending. The $120 million investment in edge rusher Jaelan Phillips and the addition of linebacker Devin Lloyd proved this team wants to win the NFC South right now. However, the salary cap is a puzzle, not a bottomless pit. The seven names still on the board represent a mix of starting experience and vital depth that helped Carolina clinch the division title last season.
- Austin Corbett (OL): The veteran leader of the interior. After moving to center, his stability was a major reason Bryce Young found his rhythm in late 2025.
- Brady Christensen (OL): A Swiss Army knife on the front five. His ability to play four different positions makes him a high-value target for teams needing insurance.
- DJ Wonnum (OLB): A productive pass-rusher who provides a physical presence opposite the newly acquired Phillips.
- Christian Rozeboom (LB): A tackling machine who knows Ejiro Evero’s system inside and out.
- Trevis Gipson (OLB): Rotational depth that kept the defensive front fresh during the 2025 playoff run.
- Krys Barnes (LB): A reliable special teams ace and defensive reserve.
- Damarri Mathis (CB): A young corner with starting snaps who could still fit into the long-term secondary plan.
The vibe around the facility is one of controlled aggression. You can feel the shift in culture; the “keep pounding” mantra isn’t just a slogan on a drum anymore—it’s the blueprint for how this roster is being built. Morgan is looking for “dogs,” and while these seven players contributed to a winning season, the draft board might offer younger, cheaper alternatives.
“We aren’t just looking for talented players; we are looking for the right fit for this culture. We value the guys who were in this building last year, but the NFL is a business of constant evolution. We have to be smart about how we allocate every dollar.”
— Dan Morgan, Panthers General Manager
Draft Implications: Why the Wait Matters
Holding off on re-signing these veterans isn’t a slight; it’s a strategy. By letting these players test the market, the Panthers maintain flexibility for the 19th overall pick. If a top-tier interior lineman falls to them, Corbett’s return becomes less certain. If the board breaks toward a secondary overhaul, Mathis might find himself looking for a new zip code.
The 2025 season showed that depth wins games in December. Nick Scott’s 111 tackles and Sam Martin’s 27 punts inside the 20 were the quiet gears that kept the machine running. Whether the “Remaining Seven” return or are replaced by rookie talent, the next month will define if Carolina can defend its NFC South crown or if the roster will see a significant youth movement in the trenches.
