Panthers’ GM Dan Morgan explains ‘perfect scenario’ for NFL franchise originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.Carolina Panthers general manager Dan Morgan has a different job.Morgan's title may have remained the same, but entering Year 3 of his regime, his responsibilities have changed -- dramatically.In 2024, Morgan and first-year coach Dave Canales took control of a rebuilding franchise with a dwindling, frustrated fanbase. Fast forward two years and as Morgan prepares for the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh, he doesn't find himself building the roster as much as tending to it.Many of the major moves have been made and most of the starters, barring injury, remain in place.

During Morgan's watch, the Panthers nurtured a franchise quarterback (Bryce Young), drafted 2025 rookie of the year Tetairoa McMillan, raided the free-agent market for All-Pro-level additions (Jaelan Phillips and Devin Lloyd) and signed their own stars to long-term deals (Derrick Brown and Jacyee Horn).He may not be there yet, but Morgan informed The Charlotte Observer of his "perfect scenario," suggesting "down the road, we hit on our draft picks, we're extending our draft picks and not paying free agents."GM Dan Morgan likes early look of 2026 PanthersThe 2026 Panthers appear to be a radically different outfit than the overmatched 2023 edition, which went 2-15, leading to Morgan's arrival. Last December, Young guided the Panthers to an NFC South division title and their first playoff appearance since 2017.Things feel different in Charlotte, N.C."Every year, I should feel more comfortable," Morgan said during the NFL's annual meeting last month.

"Every year, I should be evaluating our processes and talking to my team and figuring out where we were good, where we need to improve."If we're not going back and we're not evaluating ourselves and trying to get better at everything that we do, then shame on us. So, as long as I'm here, we're gonna just try to get better and better every single year."That, to Morgan, remains the "perfect scenario."