Panthers Coach Embraces Short-Term Deals as Roster-Building Tool

Dave Canales sees value in having players with something to prove on one-year contracts.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 10:06pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist, geometric painting depicting a football game in motion, with sharp, overlapping planes of the team colors of the Carolina Panthers and Arizona Cardinals, conveying the dynamic energy and competition of the sport.The Panthers' roster strategy of short-term deals creates a competitive environment that could propel the team forward.Phoenix Today

The Carolina Panthers have signed a number of free agents to one-year contracts this offseason, both their own players and new additions from outside the organization. Head coach Dave Canales views this as an opportunity rather than a challenge, believing it will create a competitive environment that pushes the entire team to perform at a high level.

Why it matters

The Panthers are in a transitional phase, trying to build a sustainable roster and program. While short-term deals may seem counterintuitive to that goal, Canales believes they can help foster competition and bring out the best in players as the team continues to evolve.

The details

Of the 74 players currently under contract, the Panthers have only 29 signed beyond the 2026 season. After signing 10 outside free agents and bringing back 14 of their own this offseason, only three of those received more than one-year deals. Canales sees this as a chance to create a hungry, competitive environment, as players on short-term deals will be motivated to perform at a high level to earn future contracts.

  • The Panthers signed a number of free agents to one-year deals this offseason.

The players

Dave Canales

The head coach of the Carolina Panthers, who is embracing the team's use of short-term contracts as a way to build a competitive roster.

Brandt Tilis

The executive vice president of football operations for the Carolina Panthers, who discussed the team's transition from building to contending and the need for long-term deals to sustain success.

Taylor Moton

An offensive tackle for the Carolina Panthers who is signed to a long-term deal as a foundational piece of the team.

Derrick Brown

A defensive tackle for the Carolina Panthers who is signed to a long-term deal as a foundational piece of the team.

Jaycee Horn

A cornerback for the Carolina Panthers who is signed to a long-term deal as a foundational piece of the team.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“My approach will stay the same, but certainly you get a hungry player who understands the urgency of performing right now. I love that. I love the competition it brings out in our guys, whether it's the duration of their contract or whether it's the number of guys in that room, competing for these positions.”

— Dave Canales, Head Coach, Carolina Panthers

“It's really hard to sustain anything when you're signing a bunch of one-year deals. You really want long-term deals to sustain, and you also need to be able to continue to draft well.”

— Brandt Tilis, Executive Vice President of Football Operations, Carolina Panthers

The takeaway

The Panthers' approach of signing a number of players to short-term deals reflects their desire to build a competitive roster and program, even if it means sacrificing some long-term stability in the short term. Coach Canales believes this strategy can bring out the best in his players and help the team continue its upward trajectory.