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On the whole, I thought the Panthers did the best job of any team during the first week of free agency and left with a much stronger roster. The team had two major needs on defense that people thought would be addressed early in the draft: pass rusher and off-ball linebacker. They promptly filled both by signing Jaelan Phillips to a massive four-year, $120 million contract and linebacker Devin Lloyd to a three-year, $45 million contract. Not only did the Panthers fill needs by signing the two players, but the vacancies left by Phillips in Philadelphia and Lloyd in Jacksonville are massive holes that those teams must address. Carolina was not done, as they added offensive tackle Rasheed Walker, the four-year veteran who was previously with the Green Bay Packers, to a one-year deal. Considering the serious knee injury suffered by starting left tackle Ikem Ekwonu during the playoff loss to the Los Angeles Rams, an injury that could threaten his 2026 season, it was money well spent on another free agent. Heading towards the draft, the Panthers now have the luxury of looking at other positions. If tight end Kenyon Sadiq happens to fall to the 19 selection of the first round, he has to be a consideration, and they could also target a top cornerback. https://www.essentiallysports.com/nfl-active-news-five-nfl-teams-whose-free-agency-moves-changed-their-twenty-twenty-six-draft-plans/