Saints Aim to Strengthen Defense Against Panthers in Week 7

WHO:

buccaneers.com - Carolina Panthers, Head Coach Dave Canales, running back Rico Dowdle, quarterback Bryce Young, rookie wideout Tetairoa McMillan, tight end Mitchell Evans, safety Chau Wade-Smith, wide receiver Jalen Coker, left tackle Ikem Ekwonu, defensive tackle Derrick Brown, cornerback Jaycee Horn, outside linebacker Jaelen Phillips, off-ball linebacker Devin Lloyd, former quarterback Andy Dalton, and General Manager Dan Morgan.

neworleanssaints.com - New Orleans Saints, defensive tackle Davon Godchaux, and Jonas Sanker.

WHAT:

buccaneers.com - The Panthers signed former first-round pick Kenny Pickett to be the backup quarterback, replacing Andy Dalton, who was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles for a 2027 seventh-round draft pick.

buccaneers.com - The Panthers signed tackle Rasheed Walker to a one-year deal worth up to $10 million to provide depth on the offensive line.

buccaneers.com - The Panthers added defensive tackle Lee Hunter from Texas Tech, cornerback Will Lee from Texas A&M, and safety Zakee Wheatley in the draft.

buccaneers.com - The Panthers also signed outside linebacker Nick Hampton, a former fifth-round pick, to add depth to their defense.

buccaneers.com - The Panthers' defense improved to 16th in yards allowed and 15th in points allowed in 2025 after significant offseason acquisitions.

buccaneers.com - The Carolina Panthers won the NFC South title, their first since 2015, and made the playoffs for the first time since 2017.

buccaneers.com - The Panthers improved their win total by three games over the previous season, finishing with an 8-9 record.

buccaneers.com - Bryce Young threw for 3,011 yards, 23 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions in 16 games.

buccaneers.com - Tetairoa McMillan won NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year honors with 70 receptions for 1,014 yards and seven touchdowns.

buccaneers.com - The Panthers' defense improved from last in both yards and points allowed in 2024 to 16th and 15th in 2025.

neworleanssaints.com - Davon Godchaux hosted his tenth annual NFLPA youth football camp for young athletes.

WHERE:

buccaneers.com - The Panthers' home games were played at Bank of America Stadium.

neworleanssaints.com - The youth football camp was held at Plaquemine High School.

WHEN:

buccaneers.com - The Panthers' significant victory over the Falcons occurred during the season.

neworleanssaints.com - The youth football camp took place on June 13, 2026.

WHY:

buccaneers.com - The Panthers aimed to bolster their offensive line and quarterback depth following the departure of several key players in free agency.

buccaneers.com - The Panthers aimed to strengthen their defense after a poor performance in 2024 and to build on their recent success in the 2025 season.

HOW:

buccaneers.com - The Panthers made significant offseason acquisitions, including signing Jaelen Phillips and Devin Lloyd to enhance their defense.

buccaneers.com - The Panthers made significant offseason acquisitions, including signing Jaelen Phillips and Devin Lloyd to improve their defense.

The Panthers have signed Kenny Pickett, a former first-round pick, to serve as their backup quarterback, replacing Andy Dalton, who was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles for a 2027 seventh-round draft pick. In addition to Pickett, the team has bolstered their offensive line by signing tackle Rasheed Walker to a one-year deal worth up to $10 million, while also adding depth to their defense with the acquisitions of defensive tackle Lee Hunter, cornerback Will Lee, safety Zakee Wheatley, and outside linebacker Nick Hampton. These moves come after the Panthers' defense showed improvement last season, finishing sixteenth in yards allowed and fifteenth in points allowed, as they look to strengthen their roster following the departure of several key players in free agency.