The Carolina Panthers have to be feeling good as they exit their bye week. The team is at 2-2 and would be in the playoffs if the season ended today.
However, that doesn't mean the roster is perfect. The team has been decimated by injuries, and if they want to make a run at the playoffs, they could use some reinforcements. The secondary, in particular, has been hurt by injuries, and there's no quick path to improvement for the unit.
Jaycee Horn and Mike Jackson are both on injured reserve, and Akayleb Evans cannot be the answer going forward . The defensive and offensive lines could also use some help, as both units have been disappointing and/or injured.
Now, let's identify the position groups the Panthers should be trying to upgrade ahead of the trade deadline.
Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta (87) makes a catch for a touchdown against Carolina Panthers cornerback Akayleb Evans (29) during the second half at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026.
Jaycee Horn and Mike Jackson will be out for the foreseeable future, which doesn't leave the Panthers with many viable internal options. Jackson is expected to be back at some point, while Horn is more uncertain .
If the team looks for outside options, there are some intriguing possibilities. When it comes to a trade, Joey Porter Jr. is already off the board, but there are other options like Kelee Ringo, Riq Woolen, Kristian Fulton, and Keisean Nixon.
The team could also go for an experienced free agent like Marshon Lattimore. Any of those guys I just named would probably be upgrades over Akayleb Evans.
Sep 27, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) scrambles with the ball defended by Carolina Panthers defensive tackle Lee Hunter (92) during the second quarter at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
The defensive line is another spot I'd like to see the Panthers address. Lee Hunter and Derrick Brown have been disappointing, and Tershawn Wharton has yet to play in 2026.
Wharton could return soon, which could make the Panthers hold off on a major move. However, Wharton wasn't exactly great in 2025, so his return isn't guaranteed to improve things. Daron Payne , Zach Sieler, and Dalvin Tomlinson are some options who could be available in a trade.
Aug 21, 2026; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Carolina Panthers center Luke Fortner (77) warms up before a preseason game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
The offensive line has also been a major issue, but there is actually hope it can get better without a major move. Ikem Ekwonu and Taylor Moton are still expected to return this season, so the tackle issues could fix themselves.
However, it's not just the tackles who haven't been great. Center Luke Fortner has also been bad , so the team could look to the interior for a trade piece. Olu Oluwatimi on the Seahawks is an interesting player who could be available. If the team wants another tackle, Walker Little and Dawand Jones are probably available.
This story was originally published by Athlon on Oct 12, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
