NFL executives rank Carolina Panthers outside top ten NFC teams

An anonymous poll of NFL executives conducted by The Athletic places the Carolina Panthers as the 10th-best team in the NFC entering the 2026 season. While the franchise has moved away from the bottom of the league standings, voters remain cautious regarding the team's ability to compete consistently against top-tier opponents. The ranking reflects a collective view that Carolina continues to trend toward improvement but currently sits in a below-average tier. Success for the group hinges on the performance of quarterback Bryce Young, who struggled with consistency throughout the previous year. One executive noted that the team is prepared to advance if Young sustains the form he demonstrated at the end of last season, particularly given recent improvements made to the defense. The Panthers previously exhibited inconsistent play, dropping games against the Arizona Cardinals and New Orleans Saints while remaining competitive with the Los Angeles Rams, Green Bay Packers, and Seattle Seahawks.

• 11:15 AMYahoo Sports — NFL execs vote Panthers outside top 10 NFC teams