An NFL analyst sees the Carolina Panthers as a potential fit for . . . *squints eyes* . . . Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert?
Well, Henry McKenna of FOX Sports floated the idea on the latest episode of The QB Room podcast. McKenna tells co-host Steven Ruiz that he believes the Panthers would make for an intriguing trade suitor for the two-time Pro Bowl passer . . .
If Justin Herbert demands a trade, who might pick up the phone? Where might he actually want to go?
— Henry McKenna (@henrycmckenna) October 15, 2026
Two possible suitors: Panthers, Buccaneers.
It's one of many topics that @theStevenRuiz and I hit on in The QB Room podcast this week.
🎧⤵️https://t.co/AlHpaq43ga pic.twitter.com/tBzi2IejBL
Panthers fans may be a tad confused by this proposal, and rightfully so.
For starters—their
starter, Bryce Young, is putting together the best ball of his four-year NFL career. Young, fresh off a campaign where he helped lead Carolina to their first division title in a decade, currently ranks first in passing yards per game (317.0) and—even with the league's earliest bye—has thrown for the eighth-most touchdowns and the fifth-most completions of 20 yards or more.
Herbert, meanwhile, may be in the midst of his worst stretch as a pro. Some of his struggles this season can be attributed to a rash of injuries to his supporting cast as well as a change in play-calling, but he hasn't given a great account of himself in passing for five touchdowns, seven interceptions and 187.4 yards per outing.
Carolina, or at least a portion of their scouting department, reportedly had interest in Herbert leading up to the 2020 NFL Draft. But now, with their own guy playing himself towards a long-term deal, the Panthers should probably stand pat under center and keep letting Bryce cook.
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This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: NFL analyst sees Panthers as possible trade suitor for Chargers QB Justin Herbert
