NEXT STEPS FOR 2026
-------------------
The first big step was [bringing Jansen back for his 18th season with the team](https://www.panthers.com/news/long-snapper-jj-jansen-is-back-for-his-18th-season-with-the-panthers). He's been the model of consistency, as he approached his 40th birthday.
Now, they need to find a punter, as Martin's an unrestricted free agent.
He's turning 36 this week, but had a solid season by any measure. He was ninth in the league with 27 punts inside the 20, 48.2 percent of his punts (sixth by percentage). He dropped 19.6 percent of his punts inside the 10, tied for fifth-most in the league.
He also converted a successful onside kick in Week 2. Since the league changed the onside kick rules in 2018, only eight players have converted more than two (he has three), and he's the only punter.
But since he's a free agent, he gets a choice in this, too.
The Panthers also have some decisions to make among their coverage players, with leading tackler [Thomas Incoom](/team/players-roster/thomas-incoom/) a restricted free agent.