Panthers Could Give Bryce Young Familiar Weapon in Latest Trade Rumors

There’s a quiet urgency hanging over Carolina. The Panthers spent last season going through growing pains with stalled drives and a lifeless passing attack. But hidden beneath it all was a glimmer of something real. Bryce Young’s demeanor was a silver lining. What he needs now isn’t just a better scheme or a bigger l offensive line. Maybe he needs his guy.

John Metchie III has been part of trade rumors and it makes sense. Bleacher Report’s Moe Moton recently suggested the Houston Texans should consider trading Metchie, giving the young wide receiver a fresh start with a team in need. And few franchises are more desperate for a boost at wideout, or more suited for a Metchie bounce-back, than the Carolina Panthers.

The Alabama Connection

Young and Metchie weren’t just teammates at Alabama, they rolled the Tide's offense into being a competitor.

During Young’s Heisman-winning season in 2021, Metchie posted 96 receptions for 1,142 yards and eight touchdowns. He was Young’s go-to target on third downs, a relentless route-runner with a feel for space and leverage.

Their chemistry was evident throughout the season, right up until Metchie tore his ACL in the SEC championship game. It was a brutal end to a standout year that helped vault Young into college football stardom. Reuniting them in Carolina would be strategic.

Why It Works

Let’s be honest about the Panthers’ wide receiver room. It's deep, but isn’t scaring anyone. Xavier Legette has promise. Tetairoa McMillan has upside. But there’s a line where reliability and separation should be. Metchie’s game is built on exactly what Carolina lacks. A crisp, sudden route running, reliable hands and natural chemistry with Young.

He’s the type of second or slot option who could complement a bigger possession receiver like Legette or McMillan. He’d give Young a familiar outlet over the middle of the field. In a league increasingly defined by timing and spacing, Metchie has the skill set to become main part of a passing game.

After overcoming leukemia and working his way back onto the field, the 24-year-old brings a level of resilience that transcends the stat sheet. Sometimes, upside comes wrapped in perseverance.

The Risk of Waiting

If the Panthers pass on Metchie, another team, perhaps NFC South rival New Orleans, might not. Imagine Young staring down a Saints offense featuring Chris Olave, Rashid Shaheed and a fully unleashed Metchie twice a year. Not ideal.

This is the kind of low-risk move that makes too much sense for the Panthers to ignore. Metchie’s skill set aligns perfectly with Young’s rhythm-based style. The history is there. The ceiling is real. And the chance to buy low on a player with top-50 draft pedigree? That’s rare.

Sometimes, the best trades aren’t splashy but they’re smart. The Panthers need to be smart.