Could the Carolina Panthers look to put a different No. 1 overall pick under center in 2026?
On Wednesday, ESPN NFL insiders Jeremy Fowler and Dan Graziano touched on the seemingly imminent divorce between the Arizona Cardinals and quarterback Kyler Murray. When it came to what could be next for the two-time Pro Bowl passer, Fowler suggested the New York Jets and Cleveland Browns as possible landing spots this offseason.
Graziano, meanwhile, threw the Panthers into the mix. He writes:
I’d add Miami to that list if it gets to the end of the season and doesn’t feel convinced Tua Tagovailoa is its long-term quarterback, which is certainly possible. I guess we could throw Carolina in for similar reasons if Bryce Young doesn’t turn things around. Most people I talk to about the Murray situation doubt that the Cardinals will be able to trade that contract, which means he’d likely be released before that 2027 money triggers next March.
Despite leading Carolina to five wins in his nine starts this season, Young has struggled to put up solid numbers. He’s passed for over 200 yards in just one of his outings and has averaged 5.6 yards per attempt, which ranks 34th amongst all quarterbacks who have played in at least five games in 2025.
For the third time in as many seasons, doubts regarding Young’s ability to throw downfield have arisen. His limitations were evident in this past Sunday’s 17-7 loss to the New Orleans Saints, where only three of his 25 passes traveled further than 10 yards from the line of scrimmage.
The Panthers will have to make a decision on Young’s fifth-year option this upcoming spring.
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