Panthers Projected to Land 5-Star QB to Join Bryce Young

Clemson's Cade Klubnik could be a late-round steal for Carolina's QB depth.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 1:54pm

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The Carolina Panthers are reportedly eyeing Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik as a potential late-round draft pick to back up star QB Bryce Young. ESPN's Ben Solak believes Klubnik, a former 5-star recruit, could be available in the 6th round and provide solid depth behind Young with his strong arm and deep ball accuracy.

Why it matters

The Panthers need to address their thin quarterback depth chart after trading away Andy Dalton. Bringing in a talented young QB like Klubnik to develop behind Young could pay big dividends, especially if Young were to miss any time due to injury.

The details

Solak highlights Klubnik's strong arm, deep ball accuracy, and ability to make plays on the move as key strengths that could make him an ideal backup for the Panthers. However, Klubnik has also struggled with timing and anticipation at times, which the Panthers' coaching staff would look to improve.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled for April.
  • Klubnik was viewed as a potential first-round pick entering the 2025 college football season.

The players

Bryce Young

The Carolina Panthers' starting quarterback who has solidified his role as the team's QB1.

Cade Klubnik

A former 5-star recruit from Clemson University who is projected to be available in the 6th round of the 2026 NFL Draft and could provide valuable depth behind Bryce Young.

Andy Dalton

The veteran quarterback who was recently traded away by the Panthers, leaving a hole in their QB depth chart.

Kenny Pickett

The Panthers' current QB2 who would compete with a potential Klubnik draft pick for the backup role.

Dave Canales

The Panthers' offensive coordinator who has a history of helping quarterbacks like Geno Smith and Baker Mayfield play a quicker brand of football.

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What they’re saying

“An ex-five-star recruit, Klubnik has a great arm with solid throwing mechanics. His best throws come on his deep ball, which he can also deliver well on the move, and his quick upfield stride takes a lot of linebackers by surprise. Klubnik is a classic 'give a receiver a chance' sort of quarterback -- he'll hang a lot of catchable balls on high trajectory throws, and his accuracy falls off when forced to drive breaking routes between windows.”

— Ben Solak, ESPN Writer

“Struggles with timing and anticipation have marred Klubnik's film at times, but coach Dave Canales has historically succeeded at getting quarterbacks (Geno Smith, Baker Mayfield) to play a quicker brand of football. The marriage could work for Klubnik as a rookie contract backup.”

— Ben Solak, ESPN Writer

What’s next

The Panthers will have the opportunity to select Cade Klubnik in the 6th round of the 2026 NFL Draft, which is scheduled for April.

The takeaway

By potentially drafting Cade Klubnik in the late rounds, the Panthers could find a talented young quarterback to develop behind Bryce Young and provide valuable depth at the position. Klubnik's strong arm and deep ball accuracy could make him an ideal fit as Young's backup, especially if the coaching staff can help him improve his timing and anticipation.