The Carolina Panthers enter the offseason with a sense of optimism that hasn’t surrounded the franchise in years. Snapping a long playoff drought in 2025 signaled real progress, even if the season ended earlier than hoped. With expectations rising, the front office is now under pressure to make moves that push the team closer to true contention.
One area clearly under the microscope is the pass rush. Carolina finished near the bottom of the league in pass-rush win rate last season, and opposing quarterbacks often had too much time to operate. While the Panthers invested heavily in young edge defenders through the draft, the results were uneven and highlighted the need for experience up front.
That reality has fueled speculation that the Panthers could be aggressive in free agency. League insiders believe Carolina is in position to spend, especially on defense, where a single proven difference-maker could elevate the entire unit and help take pressure off a still-developing secondary.
According to a recent ESPN projection, the Panthers could target Trey Hendrickson, a four-time Pro Bowler and 2024 First-Team All-Pro who has been one of the NFL’s most consistent pass rushers over the past several seasons. When healthy, he has shown the ability to change games with pressure alone.
There are legitimate concerns that come with such a move. The veteran edge rusher is 31 years old and was limited to seven games last season due to a hip injury that required surgery. For Carolina, the decision would come down to confidence in his recovery and how quickly he could return to elite form.
Still, a signing of this caliber would make a statement. It would signal that the Panthers believe their rebuild has reached a turning point and that they’re ready to take a calculated swing to strengthen a defense that could determine how far this team goes next season.