Panthers Could Help Bryce Young With Jarring $120 Million Addition

The Carolina Panthers took a massive step forward in 2025, winning the NFC South division title and nearly beating the Los Angeles Rams in the playoffs.

Bryce Young also gave the Panthers reason to believe in him, resulting in Carolina exercising his fifth-year option for 2027.

But while the Panthers displayed considerable progress this season, it's still blatantly obvious that they need help, and one area in which they need assistance is at wide receiver.

Yes, Tetairoa McMillan enjoyed a brilliant rookie campaign, and Jalen Coker — an undrafted receiver in 2024 — looks like an underrated stud. However, Xavier Legette has been a major disappointment, and there really is no depth at the position once you get beyond those names.

Carolina is expected to be in the market for a wide out this offseason, whether that's via free agency, trade or the NFL Draft.

But if the Panthers really want to make a significant splash, they may want to consider pursuing San Francisco 49ers star Brandon Aiyuk.

Aiyuk signed a four-year, $120 million extension with the 49ers before the 2024 campaign, but he tore his ACL that October and hasn't returned to the field for San Francisco since.

The relationship between Aiyuk and the Niners seems to have been fractured beyond repair, and the 49ers are expected to release Aiyuk.

Let me preface this by saying Aiyuk comes with some glaring red flags. He hasn't played a full season since 2023, he is coming off of a severe injury and the fact that he essentially cut off communication with San Francisco during his rehab is concerning, to say the least.

When healthy, though, the 27-year-old is a terrific player. He posted back-to-back 1,000-yard campaigns in 2022 and 2023, hauling in 75 receptions for 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns in the latter season.

Imagine McMillan and Aiyuk on the outside with Coker in the slot? It would be a terrifying setup for opposing defenses. It would also make life a heck of a lot easier for Young, who is still playing for a long-term contract.

The question is, would Aiyuk actually want to play for the Panthers?

If the Niners cut the Arizona State product, he would obviously have full say in where he decides to play, and Carolina might not be at the top of his wish list.

But perhaps Aiyuk will appreciate what the Panthers were able to achieve in 2025 and might be open to joining a young, talented team that appears to be ascending.

At the very least, Carolina should check in and see if there is anything there.

Panthers Roundtable also offers a fan community and message board. We’d love to have you join us to talk all things Panthers. Click the “Join” button at the top of the page to join our community for free.