ESPN links ideal backup QB fit for the Panthers in the 2026 NFL Draft – a selection that would break a franchise-long trend
The Carolina Panthers have been active ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft meeting with various quarterback prospects to be the long-term backup to Bryce Young and the ideal fit according to ESPN’s Ben Solak is in the team’s backyard.
The Carolina Panthers have been active when it comes to scouting out backup quarterback options in the 2026 NFL Draft to be the long-term option behind Bryce Young.
Carolina’s quarterback room got an overhaul this offseason when the team traded away veteran backup Andy Dalton and replaced him with former first-round pick Kenny Pickett on a one-year deal. Given Pickett’s contract and desire to be a starter again in the NFL, he’s not a long-term option and the Panthers are smart by looking into rookie options.
This week alone, the Panthers are expected to bring in Vanderbilt’s Diego Pavia and Georgia Tech’s Haynes King for a 30 visit. And that’s just two confirmed QB names scheduled to meet with the Panthers.
The team will have their eye on other potential options as well ahead of the draft and ESPN’s Ben Solak believes the ideal fit is sitting right in the Panthers’ backyard.
ESPN’s Ben Solak links the Panthers to Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik in the sixth-round
Klubnik is an intriguing backup option for the Panthers and one I considered earlier in the pre-draft process. He’s not quite as mobile as Pavia or Haynes, a quality general manager Dan Morgan said he’s looking to add to the position (although he did have a nice 40-time at the Clemson Pro Day). However, Klubnik is a similar player to what the Panthers had in Dalton with traits that work well in Dave Canales’ offense.
“When Klubnik plays on time, he reminds me of Dalton, who didn’t play much like Young anyway,” Solak explained. “Struggles with timing and anticipation have marred Klubnik’s film at times, but coach Dave Canales has historically succeeded at getting quarterbacks (Geno Smith, Baker Mayfield) to play a quicker brand of football. The marriage could work for Klubnik as a rookie contract backup.”
If the Panthers indeed go this route and add the local talent to the quarterback room, the team would also be breaking a franchise-long trend in the process. The Panthers have never drafted a player out of Clemson (although multiple Clemson products have eventually found their way to Carolina such as Isaiah Simmons and Hunter Renfrow).
That’s not to say the Panthers are against drafting former Tigers or have issues with prospects coming out of Clemson, just a fun draft nugget to mention. Drafting the former Clemson standout would appeal to the local fanbase in South Carolina, though.
Overall, it just goes to show how multiple options are viable backup candidates for the Panthers. The closer we get to the draft, the more likely it seems that the Panthers will add a new quarterback for the staff to develop, ideally on Day 3. Klubnik is certainly one of the names to watch.
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