What is the story about?
The 2026 NFL Draft may be over, but that doesn’t mean the weekend is over for the 2026 rookie class. Every draft eligible player who wasn’t selected is now free to sign with any team in the league. While most of these guys will never make a roster or an impact in the NFL, there are a few gems who slip through the cracks and help elevate their teams. Think of names in the Panthers history like J.J. Jansen, Andrew Norwell, and Jalen Coker. So let’s take a look at who has the potential to be this year’s
diamond in the rough:
Carolina Panthers 2026 undrafted free agents
- QB Haynes King, Georgia Tech
- DT Aaron Hall, Duke
- DB Jaylon Guilbreau, Texas
Previous udnrafted free agents still on the roster
- WR Jalen Coker (2024)
- LB Claudin Cherelus (2023, New York Jets)
- LB Thomas Incoom (2023, Denver Broncos)
- LS J.J. Jansen (2008, Green Bay Packers)
- LB Bam Martin-Scott (2025)
- DE LaBryan Ray (2022, New England Patriots)
- S Demani Richardson (2024)
- CB Corey Thornton (2025)
- WR Brycen Tremayne (2023, Washington Commanders)
- LB Jacoby Windmon (2024, Pittsburgh Steelers)
The Panthers picks in the 2026 NFL Draft:
- Round 1 (19): Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia
- Round 2 (49): Lee Hunter, DT, Texas A&M
- Round 3 (83): Chris Brazzell, Wide Receiver, Tennessee
- Round 4 (129): Will Lee III, Defensive Back, Texas A&M
- Round 5 (144): Sam Hecht, Center, Kansas State
- Round 5 (151): Zakee Wheatley, Safety, Penn State
- Round 7 (227): Jackson Kuwatch, Linebacker, Miami University
