Panthers’ persistent pass-rush problems point to more defensive-line moves in 2026; punters should consider taking the team under on season sack totals or backing opponents’ over on sacks allowed until significant upgrades arrive. Adding Keldric Faulk helps early-down run defense but likely won’t immediately reverse Carolina’s sack drought.
Super Bowl LX and the NFL calendar
Super Bowl LX is nine days away, with the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks set to meet on February 8 at Levi’s Stadium. While the NFL celebrates its champion, teams like the Carolina Panthers are already planning a needed reset for the 2026 offseason.
Carolina’s chronic pass-rush issue
The Panthers finished 8-9 in 2025 and closed the season with three straight losses. Evaluations show the club’s pass rush has been a recurring problem: league-low grades in recent years and a 31st-ranked pass-rush grade in 2025 (60.5). Despite using two of their first three 2025 draft picks on defensive linemen, the unit failed to make a meaningful leap.
Sack production: a multi-year drought
Carolina has recorded an NFL-low 89 sacks across 51 regular-season games since 2023. Year-by-year totals underline the trend: 27 sacks in 2023, 32 in 2024, and 30 in 2025. Individual leaders were limited — in 2024 Jadeveon Clowney and A’Shawn Robinson tied for the team lead with 5.5 sacks, and in 2025 Derrick Brown and rookie Nic Scourton finished with five sacks apiece.
Keldric Faulk — promise and current limits
Rookie Keldric Faulk showed strengths against the run and flashes as a pass rusher. He posted a 66.0 pass-rush grade in 2025 while grading 85.5 for run defense, suggesting immediate value on early downs but clear room for growth as a consistent edge threat. Faulk’s arrival helps, but he’s unlikely to single-handedly solve the Panthers’ rush woes.
2026 offseason blueprint
With no other glaring roster holes, the logical course for Carolina is continued investment along the defensive line: more draft capital, targeted free-agent signings, and patience with developing young players. A collective upgrade up front will be required to change the team’s pass-rush profile and improve overall defensive consistency.
Betting implications — what punters should consider
Short-term betting takeaway: expect the Panthers to remain a low-sack team until they add proven pass rushers. Consider backing the team under on season sack totals or taking opponents’ over on sacks allowed in early markets. Futures bettors should be cautious dialing up Carolina’s win-total or defensive-improvement props unless the team announces significant defensive-line additions.
Former Browns Quarterback Believes Shedeur Sanders Looked Promising in 2025
Another NFL analyst has a solution to Carolina's pass-rushing issues.
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