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3 Most Disappointing Panthers Players of the Offseason
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- 3 Most Disappointing Panthers Players of the Offseason
The Carolina Panthers have two preseason games out of the way already, which means we're rapidly approaching Week 1.
Much has been learned already, but there's even more we need to find out before the season. The team has fortunately seen some key players have nice summers, but some other players have fallen short of expectations .
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Today, let's talk about three players who were expected to take a step in 2026 who have not gotten off to good starts this summer.
TE Ja'Tavion Sanders
Ja'Tavion Sanders is probably the most disappointing Panther on the roster. People had high expectations for the tight end, and he was a popular breakout pick for this season. It's looking less and less likely that that will happen.
Sanders was listed as a third-stringer on the team's first depth chart. Sanders also played in the first preseason game, while Mitchell Evans and Tommy Tremble didn't. Sanders played in the second preseason game as well and didn't impress in that one either.
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The Panthers also recently signed Darren Waller , which is not something they would do if they felt great about the tight end room. Sanders has quickly gone from breakout candidate to roster bubble.
LB Trevin Wallace
Trevin Wallace, like Sanders, is a recent mid-round draft pick who was seen as a possible building block. Also like Sanders, Wallace has been unable to realize his potential, and he's had an up-and-down summer.
Recently, Dave Canales admitted that Wallace is battling with Claudin Cherelus for a starting job. Wallace was figured to easily win the job, but now he's having to fight off a career backup. That doesn't seem good for Wallace's prospects, and he hasn't done anything in the preseason to erase doubts.
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Wallace could be running out of time in Carolina. If the linebacker has another disappointing year, the Panthers will assuredly look to add a starting linebacker next offseason.
CB Chau Smith-Wade
Chau Smith-Wade had a perfect opportunity in front of him this offseason. The corner was considered the favorite to claim the nickel spot, but that hasn't gone according to plan.
Smith-Wade has been locked in a battle with Corey Thornton all offseason, and neither player has been able to pull away. The Panthers have even experimented with Jaycee Horn at nickel due to Smith-Wade's underwhelming summer.
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Smith-Wade is entering a pivotal Year 3, so it's now or never. Can the Washington State product step up and prove he deserves the spot? Or will the Panthers have to look for a nickel corner next offseason as well?
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Aug 16, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
