Carolina Panthers Depth Chart 2025: Full Roster & Starters
Few NFL teams enter a season with as many question marks as the Carolina Panthers after a 2‑15 campaign in 2024, and the new coaching staff led by Dave Canales is reshaping the roster from the ground up. Here’s what the 2025 depth chart looks like based on official team updates and projections from ESPN and other outlets.
Current season: 2025 ·
Offensive formation base: 11 personnel (1 RB, 1 TE) ·
Defensive base: 3‑4 ·
Key position battles: QB, RB, TE
Quick snapshot
- Bryce Young projected starting QB (ESPN depth chart)
- Chuba Hubbard projected starting RB (ESPN depth chart) (ESPN depth chart)
- Derrick Brown starting LDE (CBS Sports depth chart)
- Center battle between Austin Corbett and Cade Mays (Panthers.com official)
- Left tackle status with injury question on Ikem Ekwonu (ESPN) (Panthers.com official)
- Running back depth with Jonathon Brooks’ question mark (ESPN) (Panthers.com official)
- Tetairoa McMillan starting WR status — first unofficial depth chart can shift (Panthers.com official) (Panthers.com official)
- Panthers released first unofficial depth chart on July 29, 2025, before preseason opener against Cleveland (Panthers.com official)
- 2026 projections include seven new draft picks impacting depth chart (Sports Illustrated)
- Free agency and further roster moves expected to reshape positions (Sports Illustrated)
Five key facts that frame the Panthers’ depth chart:
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Head Coach | Dave Canales |
| 2024 Record | 2‑15 |
| Offensive Coordinator | Brad Idzik |
| Defensive Coordinator | Ejiro Evero |
| Stadium | Bank of America Stadium |
What is the Carolina Panthers depth chart for 2025?
Offensive starters
The offensive depth chart reveals a unit in transition, with several young players stepping into starting roles. Here’s the projected two‑deep for the offense:
| Position | Starter | Backup |
|---|---|---|
| QB | Bryce Young (ESPN depth chart) | Kenny Pickett (RotoWire) |
| RB | Chuba Hubbard (ESPN depth chart) | Jonathon Brooks (question mark, per ESPN) |
| WR (X) | Tetairoa McMillan (Panthers.com official) | Adam Thielen (slot, per CBS Sports) |
| WR (Z) | Xavier Legette (Panthers.com official) | DJ Chark (CBS Sports) |
| TE | Hayden Hurst (CBS Sports) | Tommy Tremble (CBS Sports) |
| LT | Ikem Ekwonu (injury status unclear, per ESPN) or Monroe Freeling (projected, per Sports Illustrated) |
– |
| LG | Damien Lewis (Sports Illustrated) | – |
| C | Austin Corbett vs. Cade Mays (battle, per Panthers.com official) | – |
| RG | Robert Hunt (ESPN) | – |
| RT | Taylor Moton (ESPN) | – |
The offensive line’s center battle and the question at left tackle could determine whether the Panthers’ run game improves after bottom‑five efficiency in 2024.
Defensive starters
Defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero runs a 3‑4 scheme, and the projected front seven looks solid on paper. Here’s the depth chart for the defense:
| Position | Starter | Backup |
|---|---|---|
| LDE | Derrick Brown (CBS Sports) | – |
| NT | Shy Tuttle (CBS Sports) | – |
| RDE | Tershawn Wharton (CBS Sports) | – |
| LOLB | Jaelan Phillips (projected, per Sports Illustrated) | – |
| ILB | Devin Lloyd (CBS Sports) | Shaq Thompson (CBS Sports) |
| ILB | Shaq Thompson (CBS Sports) | Frankie Luvu (CBS Sports) |
| ROLB | Frankie Luvu (CBS Sports) | – |
| CB | Jaycee Horn (question mark, per ESPN) | Donte Jackson (CBS Sports) |
| CB | Donte Jackson (CBS Sports) | – |
| S | Tre’von Moehrig (Panthers.com official) | Nick Scott (Panthers.com official) |
| S | Nick Scott (Panthers.com official) | – |
If Jaycee Horn’s availability is limited and Jaelan Phillips doesn’t make the full transition to OLB, the Panthers could struggle to pressure opposing quarterbacks – a unit that ranked 31st in sacks in 2024.
Special teams
- K: Eddy Piñeiro (CBS Sports)
- P: Johnny Hekker (CBS Sports)
- KR/PR: Raheem Blackshear (CBS Sports)
The implication: Special teams look stable with two veteran kickers and a returner who found a role late last season.
Who are the starting quarterbacks on the Panthers depth chart?
Starter and backup QBs
- QB1: Bryce Young – 2023 first‑overall pick, projected starter across all sources (ESPN)
- QB2: Kenny Pickett – acquired in a trade, listed as primary backup (RotoWire)
Projected 2026 QB room
Reports from Sports Illustrated suggest the Panthers may add a quarterback in the 2026 draft, especially if Young doesn’t solidify the position. The team currently has no other developmental QB under contract beyond 2025.
The catch: If Young stumbles, the Panthers have no established veteran behind him – the pressure is entirely on player development.
How does the Panthers running back depth chart look?
Starting RB
- RB1: Chuba Hubbard – coming off a 900‑yard season, locked in as lead back (ESPN)
Backup committee
- RB2: Jonathon Brooks – rookie with a question mark on injury status (ESPN)
- RB3: Raheem Blackshear – change‑of‑pace back and return specialist (CBS Sports)
- Fullback: Not a dedicated FB in 11 personnel; Hubbard handles short‑yardage carries
The pattern: The Panthers are one injury away from relying on an unproven rookie, making Hubbard’s durability critical.
What is the Carolina Panthers defense ranking?
Overall defensive rank
- 2024 rank: 30th in yards allowed per game (370.5), 31st in sacks (25) (ESPN)
- Projected improvement: Adding Tershawn Wharton and Devin Lloyd via trade/FA should help the front seven
Pass rush and coverage metrics
- Pressure rate in 2024: 31.2% (30th) (CBS Sports)
- Cornerback depth: Jaycee Horn’s health is a major factor; if he stays on the field, the unit could jump to league average
The trade‑off: More investment up front means less depth in the secondary – if the pass rush doesn’t materialize, the cornerbacks will be exposed.
Who is the starting tight end for the Panthers?
TE1 and TE2 depth
- TE1: Hayden Hurst – veteran with sure hands, projected starter (CBS Sports)
- TE2: Tommy Tremble – better blocker, rotates in on running downs (CBS Sports)
Blocking vs receiving roles
In 11 personnel the tight end is primarily a receiver, but Tremble took 45% of his snaps as a blocker last season. The split will depend on game script and opponent.
What this means: The Panthers don’t have a Kelce‑type difference‑maker at tight end, but the committee approach gives flexibility in the red zone.
“The quarterback competition in Carolina is fascinating because Bryce Young is clearly the talented arm, but the team wants to see consistency throughout training camp.”
– ESPN NFC South reporter (ESPN)
“The first unofficial depth chart is a tool to evaluate, not a final verdict. Training camp will determine the starters at several positions.”
– Panthers.com staff writer (Panthers.com official)
Confirmed facts
- Bryce Young is the projected starting quarterback across all major sources (ESPN, CBS Sports)
- Chuba Hubbard is the projected starting running back (ESPN)
- Derrick Brown is a staple at left defensive end (CBS Sports)
What’s unclear
- Center position: Austin Corbett vs. Cade Mays is unresolved (Panthers.com official)
- Left tackle: Ikem Ekwonu’s injury status and Monroe Freeling’s emergence create uncertainty (ESPN)
- Running back depth: Jonathon Brooks’ health is a question mark (ESPN)
- Safety positions: Tre’von Moehrig and Nick Scott listed as starters but competition may continue (Panthers.com official)
For the Panthers, the 2025 roster is a blend of veterans and high‑ceiling rookies. The front office bet on development – if Young takes a leap and the offensive line settles, they could compete in the NFC South. If not, another top‑five draft pick might be coming. Dave Canales carries the risk that the depth chart represents both promise and pressure.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I find the official Carolina Panthers depth chart?
The team posts an unofficial depth chart on Panthers.com during training camp, while ESPN and CBS Sports maintain updated versions throughout the season.
How often is the Panthers depth chart updated?
Unofficial depth charts are updated weekly during the season; official game‑day inactives dictate actual starters each week.
Who is the starting quarterback for the Panthers in 2025?
Bryce Young is projected as the starter across all sources, with Kenny Pickett as the primary backup (ESPN).
What is the Panthers offensive line depth chart?
Projected starters: LT (Ikem Ekwonu or Monroe Freeling), LG Damien Lewis, C (Corbett/Mays battle), RG Robert Hunt, RT Taylor Moton (ESPN).
Which wide receivers are on the Panthers roster?
Key WRs include Tetairoa McMillan, Xavier Legette, Adam Thielen, and DJ Chark (CBS Sports).
What is the Panthers defensive back depth chart?
CB: Jaycee Horn, Donte Jackson; S: Tre’von Moehrig, Nick Scott (Panthers.com official).
Are there any notable rookies on the 2025 depth chart?
Rookie wide receiver Xavier Legette (first round) is expected to start, and running back Jonathon Brooks (second round) will compete for backup duties.
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