Carolina

Panthers

It was previously reported that the Panthers were getting calls for Andy Dalton. The team then went out and signed Kenny Pickett, making it clear they were moving on from Dalton this offseason. Getting even a seventh-round pick in return for Dalton is mildly impressive for Panthers GM Dan Morgan. After the trade, NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo insisted, “Tanner McKee firmly locked into the No. 2 spot behind Jalen Hurts.” That would be a bit odd given that the Eagles just sought out Dalton, though they did carry three quarterbacks on their roster last year.

Dillon missed all of the 2024 season while recovering from a neck injury he suffered late in the previous year. He returned in 2025 on a one-year deal with the Eagles. Dillon appeared in the first six games of the year but eventually fell off the game-day roster with Philly’s addition of Tank Bigsby. He finished the season with 12 carries for 60 yards. Dillon will be fighting for a roster spot in Carolina during training camp.

Wonnum joins Detroit’s pass rush rotation after two seasons with the Panthers. He totaled seven sacks in 24 games over that span, recording three passes defended and an interception last season. Spending four seasons with the Vikings prior to his stint in Carolina, Wonnum’s best statistical season came in 2023, when he tallied eight total sacks and returned a fumble for a touchdown. The 28-year-old will now reinforce the Lions’ defensive line on a contract worth up to $6 million.

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports Martin’s deal is up to $5 million. Martin joined the Panthers last season on a one-year deal and wound up booting 56 punts for an average of 47.2 yards per punt. Martin is a 13-year vet of the league who has spent time with four different franchises. He landed a career-best 48.2 percent of his kicks inside his opponent’s 20-yard line last season.

Scott started all 17 regular season games and the team’s Wild Card loss in 2025 after serving in a reserve role the season prior. He returns on a team-friendly, one-year deal to presumably serve as the team’s starting free safety after notching a career-high 111 tackles.

This is a great deal for the Panthers. Walker, a former seventh-round pick with the Packers, made just over $6 million on his rookie contract. This is a decent pay bump for him. Among NFL tackles with at least 490 left tackle snaps, Walker’s 69.3 PFF pass-blocking grade ranks 21st. The Panthers lost starter LT Ikem Ekwonu to a patellar tendon rupture during their Wild Card Round loss to the Rams last year. While Ekwonu is undoubtedly rehabbing the injury rigorously, he return date is still being determined. Panthers backup OT Yosh Nijman also retired earlier this week. Signing Walker gives them a reliable, if non-elite, starter in 2026.

The Panthers declined to tender the 27-year-old rotational pass rusher earlier this week. He returns a few days later. The contract’s details have not yet been disclosed. Cherelus totaled two quarterback pressures and 20 solo tackles last season. He missed multiple games after suffering a concussion in November and missed Week 18 with foot and ankle injuries.

Bell spent nearly all of the 2025 season with the Seahawks, but was waived late in the year and signed by the Panthers. Bell plays minimally on defense and largely contributes via special teams. He recorded four solo tackles on special teams for the Seahawks last year. The Seahawks correspondingly released CB Tyler Hall.

Nijman entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent with the Packers in 2019. He signed on with the Panthers in 2024. Nijman took his first regular season snaps in 2020 as backup left tackle. Over the course of his career, Nijman played more than 975 offensive snaps at both left and right tackle, playing primarily on the left with the Packers and primarily on the right with the Panthers.

The Panthers released Robinson just yesterday. His new deal with the Buccaneers is fully guaranteed. Robinson, 30, totaled 45 tackles, six TFLs, 31 quarterback pressures and three sacks last year. Robinson will likely fill former Buccaneers DT Logan Hall’s old role. Hall signed with the Texans earlier today after totaling 25 tackles, one TFL, 32 quarterback pressures and two sacks for the Buccaneers last year.