The Carolina Panthers’ 2025-26 season was a mixed bag, to say the least.
While Carolina finished with a slightly below-average 8-9 record due to inconsistent quarterback play, they managed to edge out the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for the NFC South title and return to the playoffs for the first time since 2018.
Even more impressively, the Panthers gave the Los Angeles Rams a run for their money in the NFC Wild Card round, going toe-to-toe with the 2022 Super Bowl champions and narrowly missing out on a trip to the Divisional round.
That said, Bleacher Report’s Moe Moton isn’t 100% sure Bryce Young is the answer for the Panthers moving forward, prompting him to cook up a ‘season-saving’ trade idea that would land Carolina an ex-New England Patriots Pro Bowl quarterback.
“Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young is entering a crucial campaign that may determine his future,” Moton wrote Thursday. Last season, Young threw for 3,011 yards, 23 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions with a 63.6 percent completion rate. He made moderate strides in a low-volume passing attack.
“Carolina picked up the fifth-year option in his rookie contract, but general manager Dan Morgan isn't ready to negotiate an extension with the signal-caller's representatives.
The Athletic's Joseph Person reported that Carolina isn't expected to sign Young to an extension this offseason, suggesting the team wants to see more from him in the upcoming term.”
“If Young regresses, the Panthers may try to pivot at quarterback midseason to make it back to the playoffs in a winnable division that didn't have a team above .500 last year. In that predicament, they shouldn't turn to Kenny Pickett or Will Grier. Neither has had much success on the pro level.”
“If Young isn't the guy, the Panthers should pursue San Francisco 49ers backup quarterback Mac Jones. Last season, Jones played well in place of Brock Purdy, who battled injuries, throwing for 2,151 yards, 13 touchdowns, and six interceptions with a 69.6% completion rate in 11 games (eight starts).”
Jones’ trade value should remain high going forward, as long as he doesn’t suffer a game-changing setback or endures a rough stretch of football in a backup role. The Alabama product possesses the serviceable processing chops, pocket-passing accuracy, and occasional on-the-move playmaking necessary to be a solid QB filler in the big leagues.
With Young having a pivotal make-or-break campaign upcoming in Carolina, the Panthers should keep all their options open to start the year.
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