Panthers Seek Super Bowl Experience in Free Agency

Carolina looks to add proven winners to boost their NFC South title hopes.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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The Carolina Panthers are looking to build on their surprise NFC South division title by targeting several free agents with Super Bowl experience in the 2026 offseason. The team is eyeing running back Kenneth Walker III, who was the MVP of Super Bowl LX with the Seattle Seahawks, as well as wide receiver Jauan Jennings, who reached the Super Bowl with the San Francisco 49ers. Additionally, the Panthers are interested in veteran pass rusher Dante Fowler, who was an NFC champion in 2018.

Why it matters

The Panthers are looking to take the next step after their unexpected division title and playoff appearance. Adding players with championship pedigree could provide valuable leadership and experience to help the team make a deeper postseason run.

The details

The Panthers currently have just over $14 million in salary cap space to work with in free agency. While they may not be seen as an attractive destination compared to larger markets, the team's recent success and young core led by quarterback Bryce Young could make them an appealing option for veterans seeking a chance to win. The team is specifically targeting Walker to bolster their rushing attack, Jennings to complement star receiver Tetairoa McMillan, and Fowler to upgrade their pass rush.

  • The 2026 NFL free agency period begins on March 18th.

The players

Kenneth Walker III

The Super Bowl LX MVP running back for the Seattle Seahawks, Walker could provide a major boost to the Panthers' ground game.

Jauan Jennings

The wide receiver reached the Super Bowl with the San Francisco 49ers and is coming off a career-best season, making him an attractive target to pair with Tetairoa McMillan.

Dante Fowler

The veteran pass rusher was an NFC champion with the Los Angeles Rams in 2018 and could provide leadership and experience to the Panthers' defensive front.

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What they’re saying

“Landing players with Super Bowl experience is crucial for a team looking to take the next step. Guys like Kenneth, Jauan, and Dante have been there before and know what it takes to win at the highest level.”

— Dan Morgan, Panthers General Manager (clutchpoints.com)

What’s next

The Panthers will need to act quickly once free agency opens on March 18th to secure these high-profile targets and bolster their roster for a potential Super Bowl run.

The takeaway

By targeting proven winners in free agency, the Panthers are signaling their intent to capitalize on their surprise division title and build a roster capable of making a deep playoff push. Adding championship-caliber players like Walker, Jennings, and Fowler could be the missing pieces to transform Carolina into a legitimate Super Bowl contender.