ESSENTIAL: Will the Carolina Panthers SECURE J.J. Jansen & Sam Martin? SPECIAL TEAMS Outlook

Carolina Panthers weigh crucial special teams decisions: will JJ Jansen return for a remarkable 18th season, and is a dynamic upgrade needed at kick returner? Julian Council analyzes the Panthers approach to their special teams unit, highlighting kicker Ryan Fitzgerald’s bargain contract, punter Sam Martin’s top-10 performance in pinning opponents deep, and the importance of veteran continuity at long snapper.

The discussion focuses on Trevor Etienne’s struggles as a return specialist and whether Carolina should pursue explosive talent like Rashid Shaheed. Key questions include which core special teamers—Thomas Incoom, Brycen Tremayne, and Isaiah Simmons—should be re-signed, and how these decisions can improve the team’s field position advantage. With contract analysis, performance metrics, and bold offseason suggestions, this episode sets the stage for transforming the Panthers special teams into a real game-changer for 2026.

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