Panthers Reportedly Eyeing Another 1st-Round Playmaker for QB Bryce Young

ESPN draft insiders say the Panthers may target a receiver in the first round for the third straight year.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 1:34pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting in the style of Pablo Picasso, using sharp, overlapping planes of blue, black, and white to depict a football game or match in an abstract, deconstructed manner.A cubist interpretation of the Panthers' ongoing efforts to build an elite offense around young quarterback Bryce Young.Columbia Today

The Carolina Panthers are reportedly considering drafting another first-round playmaker to pair with quarterback Bryce Young in the 2026 NFL Draft. ESPN draft insiders Jordan Reid and Matt Miller noted that adding another top receiving threat is viewed as essential by sources close to the Panthers, who may want to surround Young with as much offensive talent as possible before potentially extending his contract.

Why it matters

The Panthers have invested heavily in their passing game in recent drafts, taking wide receivers in the first round in 2024 and 2025. While the results have been mixed so far, the team seems determined to continue building an elite receiving corps around their young quarterback.

The details

In 2024, the Panthers traded up to select University of South Carolina wide receiver Xavier Legette with the 32nd overall pick. Last year, they used the 8th overall selection on University of Arizona's Tetairoa McMillan, who just captured the franchise's first AP Offensive Rookie of the Year award since 2011. With Legette struggling to establish himself so far, the team may be looking to add yet another top receiving threat in the 2026 draft.

  • The Panthers are currently slated to pick 19th overall in the 2026 NFL Draft.

The players

Bryce Young

The Panthers' starting quarterback, who is entering the third year of his rookie contract.

Xavier Legette

A wide receiver the Panthers drafted in the 1st round in 2024 out of the University of South Carolina.

Tetairoa McMillan

A wide receiver the Panthers drafted in the 1st round in 2025 out of the University of Arizona, who just won the franchise's first AP Offensive Rookie of the Year award since 2011.

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What they’re saying

“Adding another playmaker for Young is viewed as essential when speaking to sources close to the Panthers. It is certainly possible that they draft a receiver in Round 1 for a third consecutive year.”

— Jordan Reid, ESPN draft insider

The takeaway

The Panthers' continued investment in their passing game shows their commitment to building an elite offense around quarterback Bryce Young. While their recent 1st-round receiver picks have had mixed results, the team seems determined to surround their young QB with as much offensive talent as possible.