Analyst predicts Carolina Panthers will bench quarterback Bryce Young in 2026

The Carolina Panthers begin their 2026 season next week against the Chicago Bears with uncertainty surrounding quarterback Bryce Young. Entering his fourth professional season, Young faces pressure to produce a breakout performance after the team picked up his fifth-year option this offseason. CBS Sports analyst Douglas Clawson predicts that Young will be benched during the 2026 season if he fails to elevate his play, citing a 28th-place league ranking in EPA per dropback last year. While Young helped lead the team from worst to first in the NFC South last season, questions persist regarding his development. Should the team move on from Young, internal options include veteran Kenny Pickett and undrafted rookie Haynes King. The organization has maintained a preference for keeping Young on the field as long as he remains healthy to determine his long-term viability as a franchise quarterback.

• 11:15 AMYahoo Sports — Analyst predicts QB Bryce Young will get benched again by Panthers