The Carolina Panthers may have exited the postseason with a tough wild-card loss to the Los Angeles Rams, but there was plenty for fans to feel good about. Dave Canales’ team left everything on the field, pushing a legitimate Super Bowl contender to the brink before falling short.
Few predicted the Panthers would even reach the playoffs, let alone finish with eight wins. While inconsistency showed up at times, the franchise finally appears to be trending upward after spending years near the bottom of the league.
Now it’s on general manager Dan Morgan to build on that progress. Entering his third offseason in charge, Morgan must make smart moves to keep the momentum alive. The draft remains his primary tool, though no avenue will be ignored if it helps elevate this young, improving roster.
Carolina has several promising foundational pieces in place, even if certain position groups remain thinner than others. Those shortcomings will factor heavily into offseason decisions, beginning with how the team handles its upcoming free agents.
Some veterans will be retained, but others won’t be part of the long-term plan. With that in mind, here are seven Panthers players who are unlikely to return in 2026.
LaBryan Ray – Defensive Line
One of the main drivers behind Carolina’s step forward this season was a significantly improved defensive front.
The return of Pro Bowler Derrick Brown from injury made an immediate impact, while additions like Tershawn Wharton and Bobby Brown III paid dividends. A’Shawn Robinson benefited from the stronger supporting cast, and rookie Cam Jackson showed flashes of potential when given opportunities. Together, they form a strong core the Panthers plan to lean on again in 2026.
That depth, however, makes the outlook uncertain for others further down the rotation. LaBryan Ray has spent time with the organization but has yet to carve out a consistent role. The former Alabama standout appeared in 13 games this season, playing just 19 percent of defensive snaps, largely due to injuries elsewhere on the line.
While a short-term return isn’t out of the question, it shouldn’t stop Morgan from pursuing upgrades to strengthen the depth chart, making Ray’s future in Carolina far from secure.