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4 sleepers to watch for the Panthers defense in 2026
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- 4 sleepers to watch for the Panthers defense in 2026
Fresh off sailing away from 2025 with a division title , the Carolina Panthers went full steam ahead this past spring—and were able to reel in a few big fish for their defense.
The reigning NFC South champs caught a pair of ascending linebackers , a pass rusher in Jaelan Phillips and a Pro Bowler in Devin Lloyd, on two major deals out of free free agency. They'll now be thrown into the mix with other marquee names who were already around—including Pro Bowlers Derrick Brown and Jaycee Horn.
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But even as the Panthers stack the unit up, there may still be a handful of under-the-radar guys who could make an impact here in 2026.
Here are four sleepers to watch for Carolina on defense this season . . .
DL Aaron Hall
Starting defensive lineman Tershawn Wharton sustained a neck injury back in May and is likely to begin the season on the physically unable to perform list. Although he is expected back during the campaign, someone might have to step up to fill the void.
That could be Hall, an undrafted free-agent signee out of Duke University. The 6-foot-4, 297-pound Durham, N.C. native created some havoc in 2024 and 2025, notching 56 pressures for the Blue Devils, and turned some heads at spring workouts.
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OLB Princely Umanmielen
Although Phillips and 2025 second-round selection Nic Scourton will be featured in the starting lineup, you can never have enough fresh juice off the edge. Umanmielen, if given more opportunities, may be able to keep the rotation flowing.
As a Day 2 pick last year to go along with Scourton, Umanmielen was viewed as a bit of a developmental piece. He flashed a bit in his rookie campaign, where he amassed a sack and a half with ten total pressures, and should be ready for more responsibility in 2026.
ILB Bam Martin-Scott
The presence of Lloyd should, in theory, make things easier for the struggling Trevin Wallace. But if the 2024 third-rounder fails to take a long-awaited step forward this season, his job could be in jeopardy.
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Martin-Scott, an undrafted addition from 2025, has been a favorite of the coaching staff from the start. While he recorded a defensive snap in just three games as a rookie, the chance to crack the unit more regularly could present itself in the event that Wallace disappoints.
CB Chau Smith-Wade
Smith-Wade drew some attention during mandatory minicamp when he lined up for reps at safety. If second-year cornerback Corey Thornton locks down the duties from the slot, where Smith-Wade got most of the work in 2025, the 2024 fifth-round pick could pop up as a surprise contributor in the backend.
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This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: 4 sleepers to watch for the Panthers defense in 2026
