After coming off a promising 2025 campaign, new Carolina Panthers trade rumors are intensifying as they’re predicted to acquire a QB during the 2026 season. While the Panthers have picked the fifth-year option for QB Bryce Young, there isn’t a guarantee he could replicate what he did last year. Despite ending the season on a losing record, the team still made a promising fight in the wild-card round against the Los Angeles Rams, a team they defeated in last year’s regular season. Many can argue that the Panthers defense carried this entire roster, but this could be why the team is waiting before they commit to a blockbuster deal for Young.
The Panthers targeting Mac Jones wouldn’t be impossible, as the team has benched Young before. While they signed Kenny Pickett to fulfill backup duties, Carolina would be better off acquiring Jones to elevate its offense, especially in the playoffs. Pickett doesn’t have the same experience as the 49ers backup. Last year, the veteran started eight games, hauling in a career-best 69.6% completion rate. Here’s what Moe Moton of Bleacher Report had to say:
“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,” he said.
Panthers Trade Rumors: $3.5 Deal May Save 2026 Campaign
Is Jones the Answer?
Let’s break this down a bit: Jones has already proven this past season that he could develop into a mobile starting QB. Similar to the Malik Willis situation in Green Bay last season, he earned a starting role with the Miami Dolphins. The same can apply to the 49ers veteran if the Panthers are interested. Of course, they will keep an eye on Jones if they struggle midway through the 2026 regular season.
Carolina probably has one of the most underrated and maybe underappreciated rosters in the league. After signing Jaelan Phillips and Devin Lloyd this free agency to strengthen its defense, the Panthers drafted a promising, speedy wideout, Chris Brazzell. The team just gave Jalen Coker a long-term extension, and with second-year Tetairoa McMillan set to break out again, this is the perfect situation to walk into for Jones.
To answer the question above, yes, the 49ers QB is the final crown jewel to the Panthers’ push for an NFC Championship Game. However, the Panthers must wait patiently, but at the same time, don’t stall out during the season, when it’s too late to make a comeback. If the Panthers find themselves to be 3-6, they should be ringing the phone of 49ers’ John Lynch.
What About Young?
It’s pretty much do-or-die for the QB. Entering the 2026 season, Young is at a pivotal point in his NFL career after the Panthers did enough to bring him some promising offensive additions. Previously, during his rookie campaign, he had one of the worst seasons, but that was before the team made several adjustments in the aerial attack.
Will Young live up to his potential? He may pull it off. Despite losing RB Rico Dowdle, the Panthers still have Chuba Hubbard and a returning Jonathon Brooks in the backfield. Still, don’t be shocked if Panthers head coach Dave Canales trades for Jones. He’s on a run where if he sits another season on the sidelines, the fire in him will probably be gone. The veteran hasn’t slowed down and is still a young, athletic pocket-passer who will easily be able to spread the ball out.
