The first step in recovery is admitting that you have a problem. This applies to addiction as well as evaluating quarterback play.
Too many NFL teams hang on to one starter because they have invested time and resources and draft picks in him, and coaches and GMs complicate their jobs with players who aren’t ready to compete at this level.
As for the Carolina Panthers, they have tried to reset the position a half-dozen times since releasing Cam Newton five years ago. The latest experiment has been better than others, but that doesn’t mean Bryce Young has earned the long-term starter label.
Unless Young plays against some brutal competition for the remainder of the 2025 season, the Panthers will have to at least consider bringing in another potential starter at QB.
Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning is one of three options Carolina should consider in the 2026 NFL Draft, according to Bleacher Report.
“A week after wearing down the Atlanta Falcons’ defense, Bryce Young struggled to keep the ball out of harm’s way on Monday night against the San Francisco 49ers. It’s inconsistent play that should cause the Panthers to pay attention to this year’s quarterback prospects. The problem, however, is that they may be out of touch with getting one of the top signal-callers this April.”
Manning came to Texas with a lot of hype as the No. 1 ranked prospect in the country, but so far he hasn’t lived up to that billing.
However, there are definite signs of progress. So far this season, Manning has had solid starts against San Jose State, Sam Houston, Mississippi State, Vanderbilt and Arkansas.
For the year, Manning has nearly 3,000 passing yards to go with 24 touchdowns, seven interceptions and a 70.5 QBR.
Arch Manning highlights
It’s impossible to say at this point if Manning will be the answer to Carolina’s QB problems, or any other team’s for that matter.
However, what we do know is that Bryce Young is only playing well in about 30% of his starts for the Panthers – and that’s not enough to justify a contract extension – or picking up his fifth-year option.
They may not get an obvious upgrade, but whether it’s Manning or one of the other 2026 quarterbacks — or Kyler Murray or another veteran — the Panthers would be foolish not to bring in competition for Bryce Young this coming offseason.
– Enjoy more free Panthers coverage with the Carolina Panthers on SI –
NFL analyst delivers harsh verdict on Bryce Young’s future with Panthers
25 Panthers free agents ranked by how important it is to bring them back
Carolina Panthers look very weak at 3rd against Rams
NFL deals big blow to Panthers lineup in Rams matchup
<a href=