The Carolina Panthers’ 2026 depth chart is taking shape as the team moves through the early portion of the NFL regular season, with Bryce Young leading the offense and several notable names occupying key roles on defense.
Carolina enters Week 3 with Young firmly established as the starting quarterback, while Chuba Hubbard leads the backfield. The Panthers also feature a young receiving corps highlighted by Tetairoa McMillan, Jalen Coker and Xavier Legette.
Here is a look at the latest Carolina Panthers depth chart for the 2026 NFL season.
Carolina Panthers Offensive Depth Chart
Quarterback
Starter: Bryce Young
Backup: Kenny Pickett
Third String: Haynes King
Bryce Young remains the Panthers’ starting quarterback and centerpiece of the offense. Veteran Kenny Pickett provides experience as the No. 2 quarterback, while Haynes King gives Carolina additional depth at the position.
Running Back
Starter: Chuba Hubbard
Backup: AJ Dillon
Chuba Hubbard sits atop the Panthers’ running back depth chart.
Jonathon Brooks had been listed behind Hubbard, but Carolina placed Brooks on injured reserve with a groin/core-muscle injury. His absence moves AJ Dillon into a more prominent role behind Hubbard.
Carolina Panthers Wide Receiver Depth Chart
WR: Tetairoa McMillan, Brycen Tremayne
WR: Jalen Coker
WR: Xavier Legette, John Metchie III
Tetairoa McMillan, Jalen Coker and Xavier Legette headline Carolina’s receiving corps.
McMillan gives Bryce Young a major target on the outside, while Legette continues to play an important role in the Panthers’ passing attack. Coker has also emerged as a significant part of the offense.
John Metchie III provides additional depth and can contribute on special teams.
Carolina Panthers Tight End Depth Chart
Starter: Tommy Tremble
Backup: Mitchell Evans
Third: Darren Waller
Tommy Tremble leads the Panthers at tight end, followed by Mitchell Evans and veteran Darren Waller.
Carolina Panthers Offensive Line Depth Chart
LT: Rasheed Walker, Stone Forsythe, Albert Reese
LG: Damien Lewis
C: Luke Fortner, Sam Hecht
RG: Robert Hunt, Corey Bullock
RT: Monroe Freeling, Stone Forsythe, Albert Reese
Carolina’s offensive line is anchored by veterans Damien Lewis and Robert Hunt on the interior.
Rasheed Walker starts at left tackle, while Monroe Freeling occupies the right tackle position. Stone Forsythe provides valuable swing-tackle depth.
Carolina Panthers Defensive Depth Chart
Carolina’s defense features several established NFL players, including Derrick Brown, Jaycee Horn, Jaelan Phillips and Tre’von Moehrig.
Defensive Line
DL: Bobby Brown III, TeRah Edwards
DL: Lee Hunter, Cam Jackson
DL: Derrick Brown, Aaron Hall
Derrick Brown remains one of the central pieces of Carolina’s defensive front, while Bobby Brown III and Lee Hunter round out the starting defensive line.
Linebackers and Edge Rushers
OLB: Patrick Jones II, Trevis Gipson
LB: Devin Lloyd, Jackson Kuwatch, Tyrel Dodson
LB: Bobby Okereke, Claudin Cherelus
OLB: Jaelan Phillips, Princely Umanmielen
Jaelan Phillips gives Carolina an experienced pass-rushing threat from the edge.
Devin Lloyd and Bobby Okereke occupy the primary inside linebacker positions, while Patrick Jones II starts opposite Phillips on the outside.
Carolina Panthers Secondary Depth Chart
CB: Mike Jackson, Chau Smith-Wade
CB: Jaycee Horn, Will Lee III
S: Tre’von Moehrig, Zakee Wheatley
S: Nick Scott, Lathan Ransom
Jaycee Horn remains a centerpiece of the Panthers’ secondary and starts alongside Mike Jackson at cornerback.
Tre’von Moehrig and Nick Scott are the starting safeties, giving Carolina experience on the back end of its defense.
Carolina Panthers Special Teams Depth Chart
Kicker: Ryan Fitzgerald
Punter/Holder: Sam Martin
Long Snapper: JJ Jansen
Kick/Punt Returner: John Metchie III
Returner Depth: Xavier Legette, Chuba Hubbard
John Metchie III is listed as Carolina’s primary return specialist, although Jalen Coker could also receive opportunities as a punt returner.
Who Is the Carolina Panthers Starting Quarterback?
Bryce Young is the Carolina Panthers’ starting quarterback for the 2026 NFL season.
Kenny Pickett is the primary backup, with Haynes King listed behind him.
Who Is the Carolina Panthers Starting Running Back?
Chuba Hubbard is Carolina’s starting running back.
With Jonathon Brooks on injured reserve, AJ Dillon moves into a larger role in the Panthers’ running back rotation.
Who Are the Panthers Starting Wide Receivers?
The Panthers’ starting wide receiver group features Tetairoa McMillan, Jalen Coker and Xavier Legette.
The trio gives Bryce Young a young group of pass catchers around which Carolina can build its offense.
Carolina Panthers Depth Chart Outlook
The Panthers’ 2026 roster combines a young offensive core with several experienced defensive players.
Bryce Young remains the most important player on the offensive side, while Hubbard, McMillan, Coker and Legette make up much of the supporting cast around him.
Defensively, Derrick Brown, Jaelan Phillips and Jaycee Horn headline a unit that will be important to Carolina’s chances throughout the 2026 NFL season.
The Panthers’ depth chart can change throughout the season because of injuries, roster transactions and performance, making positions such as running back and return specialist particularly worth monitoring as Carolina moves deeper into its schedule.