Heading into Week 6, the Carolina Panthers are on top of the NFC South. But only a sliver behind them is the Atlanta Falcons, who could push the reigning division champs in a potential two-horse race here in 2026.
While general manager Dan Morgan has done a fine job of addressing needs prior to the start of the past few seasons, like bringing in cornerback Mike Jackson in 2024 as well as tight end Darren Waller and linebacker Bobby Okereke this past summer, his regime has been reticent to make aggressive moves during the campaign. But this year, given the team's upward trajectory, there's a strong case to change that trend and act as buyers going into the trade deadline.
According to Mike Kaye at ESPN, the team's top three roster needs are at cornerback,
running back and defensive line. Kaye writes the following of the depleted corner room:
With Jaycee Horn and Mike Jackson both sidelined, the Panthers need at least one more respectable starting boundary corner - or else they'll be forced to continue starting Akayleb Evans, who gave up over 200 yards in coverage against Detroit.
Evans, primarily a special teams presence, was thrust into a starting role in Carolina's last outing. As Kaye notes, the fifth-year defender was heavily targeted by the Lions—allowing 11 receptions over 14 looks.
As far as free agents go, there aren't any needle-moving cornerbacks left in free agency at this point in the year. The same goes for the options at running back and defensive line—and that may force the Panthers into the trade market before the Nov. 10 deadline.
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This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: ESPN names Panthers' top roster needs ahead of NFL trade deadline
