The Panthers have been one of the weakest teams in the NFL with regularity since the departure of QB Cam Newton, but they seemed to turn things around this past season. They won their division and held a late lead at home vs the Los Angeles Rams in the playoffs but failed to close it out. They held a late lead at home in the playoffs vs the Rams just like the eventual Super Bowl champion Seahawks held a late lead at home vs the Rams in the playoffs. Heading into next season they are seeking to build off their progress and become a legitimate Super Bowl threat, but I have my question marks as to whether or not they have what it takes. I do not feel as if QB Bryce Young is a long-term answer at the QB spot as of now, I do not know if head coach Dave Canales is a great head coach, and they do not have a coordinator that blows me away on either side of the ball either. The roster also has many question marks associated with it as well and here I will go into detail assessing the offensive line of the team as the 2026 season approaches.
Former 1st round pick Ikem Ekwonu is set to start at left tackle for the team and has shown promise but ultimately has not lived up to his incredibly high draft billing so far. Ekwonu in three seasons outside of his rookie year has graded in just the slightly above average range in terms of an overall offense grade according to Pro Football Focus on a year in year out basis. Ekwonu has consistently struggled in pass protection although showing proficiency as a run blocker. Ekwonu is a solid starter but certainly not a star like the Panthers hoped to get drafting him in the 1st round. Perhaps he can take the next step as a player in 2026 and become a star, although unlikely.
Set to start at left guard is veteran Damien Lewis who is a bright spot on the Carolina offensive front. Lewis ranked in the top five in terms of pass blocking efficiency among all guards during the 2025 season while grading in the borderline elite range in terms of run blocking grade as well. Outside of one aberration down year and another year where he was just slightly above average, Lewis has graded in the well above average range among players at his position according to Pro Football Focus on a year in year out basis.
Slated to start at center is 2022 3rd rounder Luke Fortner who had his struggles to begin his career but played very well for the first time during the 2025 season. Fortner in his first 2+ seasons in the NFL consistently ranked among the lowest graded players at his position according to Pro Football Focus. However, during the 2025 season Fortner played well for the first time in his career, ranking above average among players at his position, although only slightly so.
Currently listed to start at right guard is 2020 2nd rounder Robert Hunt who has proven to be a very effective starter during his time in the NFL. Hunt made the Pro Bowl during the 2024 season but struggled to stay healthy during the 2025 campaign hardly logging any snaps. Prior to his 2024 Pro Bowl appearance, Hunt graded as a top 10 overall player at his position in each of the two previous years. Hunt is the strongest player on the Carolina offensive front and brings stability to a unit that lacks it to an extent.
Veteran Taylor Moton rounds out the Carolina starting offensive front and is one of the better starting right tackles in the sport today. Moton grades in the well above average range in terms of an overall offense grade among his peers according to Pro Football Focus on a perennial basis. Moton may not be a star but is certainly very good and remains a very strong option to start for Carolina on their offensive front.
From a depth standpoint on the offensive front the Panthers have some notable names that could provide the team with some high-end reserve play and/or transition to a starting role eventually. 2026 1st round tackle Monroe Freeling was taken quite highly in the draft this year by the Panthers. Carolina is hoping he can be the high-level left tackle that Ikem Ekwonu was supposed to be drafted in the first round. 2021 3rd round interior offensive lineman Brady Christensen had a remarkable 2025 season playing at a borderline elite level after struggling to start his career. While guard Chandler Zavala played at a very strong level in 2024 after his rookie year in 2023, although he regressed badly in 2025.
Overall, the Panthers have a good offensive line as of now and it could end up being a very good if not a great one in time. The combination of starting right tackle Taylor Moton, starting right guard Robert Hunt, and starting left guard Damien Lewis is very formidable. As all three of those players are well above average starters with regularity, although none feel elite. The remaining two starting spots remain a question mark although both are capable starters with perhaps just a lower ceiling. Two former first rounders will be jockeying for the starting left tackle spot, and the Panthers have three very capable interior offensive linemen who have shown a high ceiling, but who are just inconsistent, who will vie for the starting center role. A breakdown of the Panthers’ offensive line heading into the 2026 season can be found below.
2026 Projected Carolina Panthers’ Starting Offensive Line
LT – Ikem Ekwonu – C+ to B-, 2022 1st rounder
LG – Damien Lewis – B+
C – Luke Fortner – C+ to B-
RG – Robert Hunt – B+ to A-
RT – Taylor Moton – B+
Notable 2026 Panthers’ Reserve Offensive Linemen
G – Brady Christensen – C+ to B-, 2021 3rd rounder, played very well in 2025, after struggling to start career
G – Chandler Zavala – C+ to B-, very strong in limited snaps in 2024 after 2023 rookie season struggles, drastic drop off in ’25 however
T – Monroe Freeling – 2026 1st rounder
