Carolina Panthers identify three players as hidden gems for 2026 season
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 17, 2026, 6:17 PM
Last updated Aug 17, 2026
The Carolina Panthers have highlighted three underrated talents as potential key contributors in the 2026 NFL season: CB Mike Jackson, OL Rasheed Walker, and S Zakee Wheatley. Following an 8-9 record in 2025 and a close Wild Card loss, the Panthers aim to build on their progress. Jackson, traded to the Panthers in 2024, had a standout 2025 season, significantly improving their defense. The team’s recent signings of EDGE Jaelan Phillips and linebacker Devin Lloyd are notable, but success will depend on the overall roster's performance, including these hidden gems.
- •Panthers finished 8-9 in 2025, nearing a playoff upset.
- •Mike Jackson had a standout season with five interceptions.
- •Jaelan Phillips and Devin Lloyd were key offseason signings.
- •Team aims to transition from upstarts to a competitive force.
- •Rasheed Walker and Zakee Wheatley are also identified as potential stars.
- 6:32 PMYahoo Sports — Tampa Bay Buccaneers Hidden Gems: 3 Secret Superstars on the 2026 roster
- 6:17 PMYahoo Sports — Carolina Panthers Hidden Gems: 3 Secret Superstars on the 2026 roster
"Can the 2026 Bucs avoid a reload at best and a rebuild at worst? Hidden Gems Yaya Diaby, Alex Anzalone, and Keionte Scott are here to bring clarity to a muddy situation.
"Can the Panthers go from upstarts to absolutes in 2026? Hidden Gems Mike Jackson, Rasheed Walker, and Zakee Wheatley can help to answer that question.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsAug 17, 2026, 6:32 PMTampa Bay Buccaneers Hidden Gems: 3 Secret Superstars on the 2026 roster
Can the 2026 Bucs avoid a reload at best and a rebuild at worst? Hidden Gems Yaya Diaby, Alex Anzalone, and Keionte Scott are here to bring clarity to a muddy situation.
- Yahoo SportsAug 17, 2026, 6:17 PMCarolina Panthers Hidden Gems: 3 Secret Superstars on the 2026 roster
Can the Panthers go from upstarts to absolutes in 2026? Hidden Gems Mike Jackson, Rasheed Walker, and Zakee Wheatley can help to answer that question.
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