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.Everydayer ClubIf you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclubSupport Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!TurboTaxFor a limited time, you can have your taxes done by a local TurboTax expert for just $150 — all in, if a TurboTax expert didn’t file for you last year. Just file by February 28.  Visit http://TurboTax.com/local to book your appointment today.FanDuelUse your Profit Boost on an NBA future and get entered for your chance to win a trip to the NBA Finals.Play your game with FanDuel, the official sports betting partner of the NBA. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started.IndeedListeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast.ZocdocStop putting off your doctor’s appointments and get the care you need.Go to http://Zocdoc.com/lockedonnfl to find and instantly book a top-rated doctor today.FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.