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The Carolina Panthers knew they had to get better in the middle of the defense this offseason. To do so, the team brought in linebacker Devin Lloyd in free agency.
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Lloyd is one of the best do-it-all linebackers in the league, and he will have one linebacker spot locked up for foreseeable future. But what about the other linebacker spot?
Well, former third-round pick Trevin Wallace was the front-runner. Wallace has yet to live up to expectations, but the hope is that a third-year jump would happen for the Kentucky product. Wallace has essentially been penciled in as a starter since the beginning of the offseason.
However, after recent comments by the coaching staff, it’s now obvious that nothing is guaranteed for Wallace.
Dave Canales Says Wallace, Claudin Cherelus Battling for Spot
On Monday, head coach Dave Canales came out and said Wallace and Claudin Cherelus are fighting for one starting spot. The coach praised both for how they’ve performed, but it’s clear neither player has separated.
“We’ve needed both of them over the last few years with different injuries that have happened to both guys; both guys have had to step in there,” Canales said about the two linebackers. “They enter this with a lot of mutual respect.”
Both linebackers have shown flashes in the past. Wallace has 20 starts over two seasons, while Cherelus has six. Neither have been great in pass coverage, but Lloyd’s presence will greatly help in that regard.
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“They want to help the team win, whatever way they can; that’s the way they’re approaching it, and they’re challenging each other by how they play and finding new ways to try to find an edge and grow in what they’re doing. So I love the way they’re doing it,” Canales added.
Wallace collected 61 tackles, five tackles for loss, and two sacks in 2025. Cherelus, meanwhile, had 32 tackles and one pass breakup.
Can Wallace Still Break Out?
It’s definitely not a great sign that Wallace is having a hard time beating Cherelus out. The linebacker is still just 23, though, so there’s reason to believe he hasn’t peaked yet.
If Wallace ends up winning the job and performing well, it would come at the perfect time. The linebacker is entering a contract year in 2027, so he could set himself up for a nice payday if things go well.
If Wallace doesn’t step up, then expect the Panthers to be in the market for a linebacker again next offseason.
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This story was originally published August 11, 2026 at 11:41 AM.