This page lists all the 2026 NFL Signings for the Carolina Panthers. I’ve listed all of the NFL Free Agent Signing Grades here, which included the Signings. Because I’ve begun posting polls for the Signings, I thought it would make sense to list just the NFL Signings here, so archiving the voting would be easier.
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🏈 2026 NFL Free Agent Signing Grades by Team (Synced 3.23.26)
- Total Signings: 7
- Average Grade: B- (83.4)
March 2026 – Signings
Panthers sign RB A.J. Dillon (1 year): D Grade
signed on 3/18/2026
When the Eagles signed A.J. Dillon last spring, I gave them a C- and wrote this: “The Eagles usually make great moves, but I don’t understand this one. A.J. Dillon is a former second-round pick who had some amazing games early in his career. However, he has gotten old, fat, and injured in recent years. He would make Green Bay’s offense worse whenever he was on the field. I know this is a 1-year deal for the veteran minimum, so the Eagles won’t be punished if/when Dillon doesn’t pan out, but I would have rather seen Philadelphia give this contract to someone who deserves it.”
A year later, Dillon being signed is worse because he’s older and fatter. There was no reason for the Panthers to waste any time with him.
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Panthers re-sign S Nick Scott (1 year, $3.25 million): A Grade
signed on 3/14/2026
Nick Scott had been a backup for many years, but he started for the Panthers last season and performed very well. It was his best year as a pro, so it’s nice that the Panthers are able to bring him back at such a small price. Scott could regress, especially at his age (31), but it’s not like Carolina is taking on any risk with this move.
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Panthers sign OT Rasheed Walker (1 year, $10 million): A+ Grade
signed on 3/13/2026
The Panthers looked set at tackle with Ikem Ekwonu and Taylor Moton, but tragedy struck in the playoffs and Ekwonu suffered a brutal patellar tendon injury. This sort of injury can knock a player out for a long time, so there’s no guarantee Ekwonu would be able to play in 2026 at all. Thus, it makes sense that the Panthers would bring in a rental like this.
This is yet another outstanding signing by the Panthers. Walker is an excellent blind-side pass protector, and he’ll be a great substitute as Ekwonu recovers.
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Panthers sign C Luke Fortner (1 year, $4.75 million): B Grade
signed on 3/10/2026
Jaguar fans might be confused about this signing because Luke Fortner was so terrible for them. Fortner went to New Orleans last year and wasn’t that bad when forced into action in the wake of injuries.
Fortner showed that he can be a quality backup or half-decent spot starter with what he did in New Orleans. That’s what the Panthers are looking for with Cade Mays gone. Fortner should be a valuable backup in Carolina with Austin Corbett constantly injured.
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Panthers sign LB Devin Lloyd (3 years, $45 million): A Grade
signed on 3/9/2026
It was surprising to see that Devin Lloyd lasted nearly until Day 2. He was one of the top linebackers in the NFL last year, so it seemed like he would be scooped up almost instantly. Yet, he was one of the final signings of the first day of free agency.
Lloyd was truly incredible last year, thriving in both run support and coverage. He’ll be sorely missed by the Jaguars, but will thrive with the other 90s expansion team. The Panthers have lacked exceptional linebacker play since the days of Luke Kuechly, but they’ll have that again with Lloyd now on the roster. The best part is that they did not overpay for Lloyd’s services.
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Panthers sign QB Kenny Pickett (1 year, $7.5 million): D Grade
signed on 3/9/2026
I’m so upset that I can’t grade this as a Millen. There’s very little risk with this contract being just for one year, so a Millen doesn’t make sense. Still, it’s a move that Matt Millen would make, especially if he deemed Kenny Pickett to be a young stallion he’d like to ride all night long. His words, not mine.
At any rate, Pickett is a horrendous backup. Andy Dalton won’t be on the team next year, but Pickett is a horrible choice to be a QB2 on the team. It’s fair to question why he’s still in the NFL.
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Panthers sign DE Jaelan Phillips (4 years, $120 million): A Grade
signed on 3/9/2026
The sound you hear is the hearts of Eagles fans being broken, as Jaelan Phillips, who was acquired via the Dolphins at the trade deadline last season, signed with the Panthers.
This is a huge signing for the Panthers. Phillips is an extremely talented, young edge rusher who will transform Carolina’s usually pedestrian defense into one that will be able to generate consistent quarterback pressure. I imagine there might be some sticker shock to seeing the terms of this deal, but Phillips can do for the Panthers what Milton Williams did for the Patriots last year, albeit at a different position. This signing says that the Panthers are here to contend in the NFC South with the Saints and Falcons seemingly improving.
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