The Carolina Panthers have demonstrated strong faith in quarterback Bryce Young this offseason. However, that didn’t prevent one NFL analyst from slighting him with a bold prediction favoring the newest member of the Manning football lineage.
Heading into 2025, Young benefits from a bolstered supporting cast. The Panthers added promising talent in the draft, highlighted by wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan. Their offensive line remains stable and poised to excel. With these pieces in place and noticeable progress made last season, the former No. 1 overall pick appears well-positioned to elevate his game even further.
If not, The Bleacher Report’s Brent Sobleski believes the Panthers might release Young during the 2026 offseason. The analyst also believed Texas signal-caller Arch Manning could be the solution if the Alabama graduate fails to meet expectations.
“The 2025 season should be a make-or-break year for Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young. Despite the improvement, Carolina’s true identity during the aforementioned era was founded on its run game, which included Chuba Hubbard. Young’s current performance will be insufficient by 2025. He must project as a No. 1 overall choice capable of lifting the entire offense, and he will be helped by Carolina’s offseason additions of Tetairoa McMillan, Hunter Renfrow, Jimmy Horn Jr., and Mitchell Evans. If this is not the case, the Panthers should attempt to correct a previous error and reinvest in the quarterback position.”
Brent Sobleski

Sobleski identified eight potential landing spots for Manning, but from Carolina’s perspective, that scenario seems far-fetched.
The Panthers remain committed to Bryce Young. For Dan Morgan to seriously consider selecting another quarterback in the first round, Young would have to experience a major collapse. While nothing is guaranteed—especially with another potentially stacked quarterback class looming, even without Manning—their current plan appears firm.
The more uncertain factor is Manning himself. Though he could opt to enter the draft early, 2025 will be his first season as the Longhorns’ full-time starter. While his famous last name and sky-high profile will keep him under the spotlight, he’s still untested against elite college-level competition.
Given the career paths of Peyton and Eli Manning, it would be shocking if Arch declared early. The growing role of NIL deals is also encouraging top players to remain in college longer or transfer for better opportunities.
Realistically, teams might not get a shot at drafting Manning until 2027. If he performs up to expectations, he’s projected to be the clear-cut top pick at the draft in Washington, D.C.
As for the Panthers, they’re all in on Young. If he takes a significant step forward this year, the team’s heavy investment could finally pay dividends—potentially securing their quarterback situation for the next ten years.