The Carolina Panthers are riding high after clinching their first division title in a decade—a milestone that signals they're finally ready to go toe-to-toe with the NFL's elite. General manager Dan Morgan deserves a round of applause for transforming a roster that was once the league's laughingstock into a solid, above-average unit heading into the 2026 season. But as they gear up to defend their NFC South crown, one question lingers: where's the weak link?

According to ESPN's Aaron Schatz, the Panthers' biggest roster hole is at running back. It's a surprising twist, considering the team's recent growth, but here's the breakdown. Carolina let Rico Dowdle walk in free agency (he's now with Pittsburgh) and is planning to lean on Chuba Hubbard as the starter. Hubbard was electric in 2024, but last season he struggled, posting the lowest avoided tackle rate among backs with at least 100 carries, per FTN charting. The numbers tell the story: Carolina ranked ninth in run offense DVOA through the first half of 2025, but plummeted to 22nd from Week 10 onward. Hubbard himself averaged just 3.8 yards per carry last year.

Behind him, the depth chart gets shaky. Jonathon Brooks is returning from a second ACL tear, which raises obvious durability concerns. Then there's Trevor Etienne, a 2025 fourth-round pick who saw only 20 carries as a rookie and spent more time on special teams than in the backfield. The Panthers also signed free agent AJ Dillon, but he's logged just 12 carries over the past two seasons. It's a thin group, and the lack of proven depth could be a problem against tough defenses.

But here's the silver lining: the fact that running back is now a top concern is actually a testament to how far this roster has come. A few years ago, the Panthers had holes everywhere. Now, with a strong offensive line, a promising young quarterback, and a defense that's found its footing, they're just one or two pieces away from being a complete contender. Running backs are often replaceable in today's NFL, especially with the shift toward two-safety sets, so fixing this issue shouldn't be a heavy lift for Morgan and his staff. Expect them to address it in the draft or free agency—and when they do, the Panthers will be even more dangerous.