The Carolina Panthers have been connected to a former first-round quarterback this NFL offseason.
It's probably too soon to call Bryce Young the Carolina Panthers' clear-cut franchise quarterback just yet, but he certainly made strides in that department in 2025.
Young at least did enough to solidify himself as the unquestioned starter heading into next season, and he also performed well enough to convince the Panthers to exercise his fifth-year option for 2027.
But one area Carolina does need to shore up is the backup quarterback slot.
The Panthers are expected to replace Andy Dalton this offseason, and there are actually numerous interesting options for them to explore.
ESPN's David Newton recently listed off a few of them, and one of the names he floated was former No. 2 overall pick Zach Wilson.
Wilson was originally selected by the New York Jets back in 2021 and spent three disastrous seasons with the club, amassing a grand total of 23 passing touchdowns and 25 interceptions while completing 57 percent of his throws.
The BYU product then spent 2024 as a backup with the Denver Broncos and filled the same role with the Miami Dolphins this past season.
Zach Wilson. Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images.Seeing as how Sam Darnold jumpstarted his career a few years after leaving the Jets, there are some who have similar hopes for Wilson, who possesses tremendous arm strength and great mobility.
Of course, just because Darnold has become a successful quarterback does not mean Wilson has the same future, but he's still just 26 years old, and Carolina would only be asking him to serve as a backup for Young.
And let's be honest: based on how poorly Young played to begin the last couple of seasons, Wilson might even have a chance to get some playing time in 2026 if he decided to join the Panthers.
Wilson was a Heisman Trophy award contender during his final collegiate campaign in 2020 when he threw for 3,692 yards, 33 touchdowns and three picks, completing 73.5 percent of his passes. He also punched in 10 rushing scores.
Obviously, the Draper, Ut. native has not even sniffed that level of success on the professional level, but there is no question that Wilson has raw talent.
We'll see if Carolina tries to make a move for Wilson in free agency next week.
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