Carolina Panthers

Nick Hampton

LB

A fifth-round pick in 2023 by the Rams, Hampton appeared in 36 regular-season games across three seasons with Los Angeles. He recorded 17 tackles (eight solo) and a pair of pass breakups, working mainly on special teams.

Feleipe Franks

TE

It's a homecoming for Franks after he spent the 2024 season with Carolina before spending the 2025 campaign with the Falcons. A special-teams stalwart, Franks appeared in all 17 regular-season contests last season, recording 11 tackles (eight solo) on 299 snaps in kick coverage.

AJ Dillon

RB

Dillon spent last year handling a depth role for the Eagles, logging 12 carries for 60 yards and three catches for 21 yards across seven regular-season appearances. Now with Carolina, Dillon figures to compete for a reserve role and short-yardage work behind incumbent starter Chuba Hubbard, with Jonathon Brooks (knee) and Trevor Etienne already battling for touches. Dillon lacks a clear path to fantasy relevance for the 2026 campaign.

Sam Martin

P

Martin appeared in all 17 regular-season games for the Panthers in 2025 and averaged 47.2 yards per punt. He landed 27 of his 56 punts inside the opponent's 20-yard line, which was ninth best in the NFL.

Jonathon Brooks

RB

General manager Dan Morgan said in late February that Carolina is optimistic about Brooks' recovery and his odds of contributing on offense during the 2026 campaign. A 2024 second-round pick, Brooks had his rookie debut delayed due to recovery from a right ACL tear sustained in college, and he then suited up for just two games before suffering an ACL tear in the same knee. With Rico Dowdle having moved on to Pittsburgh, Brooks has a clear opportunity to contribute behind Chuba Hubbard if fully healthy, with AJ Dillon and Trevor Etienne representing his top competition for backfield touches.