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Pair of new Panthers giving 'poor early returns' for 2026
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- Pair of new Panthers giving 'poor early returns' for 2026
So far, the Carolina Panthers ' two biggest free-agent additions from this offseason are paying off. Linebackers Jaelan Phillips and Devin Lloyd have both performed well in their respective roles, boosting a defensive front seven that desperately needed some more firepower.
Other new acquisitions like inside linebacker Bobby Okereke and tight end Darren Waller are also paying dividends despite joining the team very late in the offseason. The former has proved to be a strong presence alongside Lloyd and the latter a reliable target for quarterback Bryce Young.
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However, not every new piece is working out well. As part of an underwhelming trench as a whole, left tackle Rasheed Walker and center Luke Fortner are both struggling.
The Athletic 's Joe Person has given both "poor early return" reviews in his bye week grades column. Here's what he had to say about Fortner:
The Panthers signed Fortner to a one-year, $2.75 million contract as Cade Mays' replacement. But it's been a rough start for Fortner, who has allowed the highest pressure rate (8.5 percent) among all centers through four games. Overall, Pro Football Focus has Fortner rated 31st among 33 qualified centers.
And about Walker:
Young is off to the best start of his career despite poor protection from an offensive line featuring three new starters. Walker, who stepped in at left tackle while Ikem Ekwonu recovers from knee surgery, has allowed an NFL-high 20 pressures. His 11.2 percent pressure rate is second only to New Orleans Saints tackle Asim Richards (14.5 percent) among linemen with at least 100 pass-block snaps, per PFF.
These two are a big reason why the Panthers are allowing the highest pressure rate in the league right now. That Young has done such a brilliant job of making fast reads and getting the ball out quick is the only reason why the offense is functional at all—let alone one of the most productive in the game.
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Fortner and Walker certainly aren't alone in the blame, though. Right guard Robert Hunt has developed a strange habit of committing uncharacteristic penalties and rookie right tackle Monroe Freeling has been inconsistent in pass protection. Only left guard Damien Lewis has generated consistent positive play, and he's now sidelined with a knee injury.
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This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: Pair of new Panthers giving 'poor early returns' for 2026
