The Carolina Panthers are being linked to a multi-time Super Bowl champion to help out Bryce Young.
Ahead of the 2026 NFL season, the Carolina Panthers have to be seen as one of the more interesting teams across the league.
After barely making the playoffs a year ago, nobody really knows how Carolina will perform this year. Making the postseason is no easy feat, but the Panthers got in due to a tiebreaker rule, giving them the NFC South.
This season, the team will be looking for more growth from quarterback Bryce Young. Young, a former No. 1 overall pick, has seen a lot of ups and downs over his limited career.
The Panthers have remained firm that he is the starter, but if he can't show more development this year, a change could be coming. One way for Carolina to help him would be to continue putting more offensive weapons around the offense.
Carolina has done well with this in recent years, but they could still use another piece. NFL analyst Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report has listed veteran Marquez Valdes-Scantling as a potential option ahead of the season starting.
Valdes-Scantling was released by the Dallas Cowboys this offseason as part of the final roster cuts. He remains a free agent and could provide the Panthers with another offensive piece for Young while bringing some leadership to the table.
Last season, Valdes-Scantling split time between the Pittsburgh Steelers and San Francisco 49ers. For the season, he recorded 14 catches for 120 yards and one touchdown.
The veteran has won two Super Bowl titles in his career, both coming with the Kansas City Chiefs. Valdes-Scantling knows what it takes to win, and he could bring some extra credibility to this Panthers offensive attack.
Over his postseason career, 432 receiving yards and four touchdowns in 12 games played. His experience could be huge for this young team, helping them overcome the higher expectations now placed on their shoulders coming into the season.
If anything, he would be coming in as a depth piece for the Panthers, but he could end up playing a larger role in how the season pans out. Valdes-Scantling can help stretch the field, which would open lanes for other pass-catchers during games.
The Panthers need to make sure that they give Young enough weapons to use this season, especially with the team wanting to return to the playoffs. Valdes-Scantling could be one of the better pickups still available, and his value could be immense if signed.
