Panthers GM Dan Morgan Addresses Defensive Line Adjustments Ahead of 2026 NFL Draft

Carolina released veteran DL A'Shawn Robinson in a cost-cutting move and could draft a prospect to bolster its positional depth.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 3:44am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fractured, multi-perspective view of a defensive line formation, with sharp, overlapping planes in muted earth tones conceptually representing the changes to the Panthers' defensive front.The Panthers' defensive line will have a new look in 2026 as the team seeks to replace the production of the released A'Shawn Robinson.Today in Pittsburgh

Carolina Panthers general manager Dan Morgan discussed the team's defensive line needs ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft, including the release of veteran defensive lineman A'Shawn Robinson in a cost-cutting move. Morgan said the Panthers will look to add depth to the defensive line, potentially targeting a mid-to-late round draft pick or undrafted free agent to replace Robinson's production.

Why it matters

The Panthers' defensive line was a strength in 2024 and 2025 with Robinson's reliable presence, but his release created a need that the team will look to address through the draft. Finding the right replacement could be crucial for the Panthers' defensive success in the upcoming season.

The details

The Panthers released Robinson on March 10, saving approximately $10.5 million in cap space. That money helped the team sign three top free agents: edge rusher Jaelan Phillips, inside linebacker Devin Lloyd, and left tackle Rasheed Wallace. Morgan said the decision to release Robinson, a two-year starter and former Super Bowl champion, was a difficult but necessary business move.

  • The Panthers released A'Shawn Robinson on March 10, 2026.
  • The 2026 NFL Draft will take place from April 23-25 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

The players

Dan Morgan

The general manager of the Carolina Panthers.

A'Shawn Robinson

A 10-year veteran defensive lineman who was released by the Panthers in a cost-cutting move.

Jaelan Phillips

An edge rusher who the Panthers signed as a free agent.

Devin Lloyd

An inside linebacker who the Panthers signed as a free agent.

Rasheed Wallace

A left tackle who the Panthers signed as a free agent.

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What they’re saying

“A'Shawn, great dude, great leader. We'll definitely miss him around here. It's definitely just part of the business.”

— Dan Morgan, Panthers GM

“In terms of the defensive tackle class, I feel pretty good about it. I think it's a little top-heavy, but I do think there are guys we like that we pinpointed, so I think if the opportunity arises, we would definitely have competition and depth there.”

— Dan Morgan, Panthers GM

What’s next

The Panthers will look to address their defensive line depth in the 2026 NFL Draft, which takes place from April 23-25 in Pittsburgh. GM Dan Morgan said the team has identified potential mid-to-late round prospects they are interested in to replace the production of the released A'Shawn Robinson.

The takeaway

The Panthers' decision to release veteran defensive lineman A'Shawn Robinson was a difficult but necessary business move, as the team needed to create additional cap space for free agent signings. Now, the focus shifts to the 2026 NFL Draft, where the Panthers will seek to find Robinson's replacement and bolster the defensive line depth.