NFL Insider Urges Panthers to Make Bizarre Free Agent Signing — But Does It Actually Make Any Sense?

The Carolina Panthers find themselves in a critical stretch of the offseason—one defined by transition, urgency, and the quiet rebuilding of a roster around 2023 No. 1 overall pick Bryce Young. Following a tumultuous 2–15 season, new head coach Dave Canales has begun reshaping the culture and system, while GM Dan Morgan attempts to patch roster holes through calculated free agency moves and a well-reviewed draft class.

But amidst the buzz of optimism, one particular storyline has fans and analysts scratching their heads.

An NFL insider recently urged the Panthers to pursue one of the most bizarre free-agent signings imaginable—a move that, at best, seems curious, and at worst, completely disconnected from Carolina’s current direction.

So what’s this bizarre suggestion? Why did it immediately spark backlash from fans and beat writers alike? And is there any logical football argument to support it?

Let’s dive in.

The Suggestion: Sign Carson Wentz?

Yes, you read that right.

During a recent segment on a national radio show, one NFL insider (whose name we’ll withhold here for balance, but who has been a regular contributor to several NFL Network panels and ESPN guest spots) suggested the Panthers sign former No. 2 overall pick Carson Wentz, calling him a “perfect insurance policy” for Bryce Young.

“Wentz is still out there. I’m surprised a team like Carolina hasn’t brought him in. You need a veteran presence behind Bryce Young who’s actually played in big games. He’s a winner when healthy. He gives you flexibility in case things go off the rails again.”

Naturally, the internet reaction was swift and merciless.

Social Media Erupted:

• “Did this guy watch ANY of Wentz’s last three seasons?”
• “We just cleaned house to escape dysfunction. Why bring in a walking soap opera?”
• “I’d rather have Andy Dalton back than roll the dice on Wentz’s chaos.”

So is this truly a nonsensical idea—or is there something deeper beneath the surface?

The Carson Wentz Saga: A Cautionary Tale

To understand the controversy, it’s important to contextualize just how far Carson Wentz’s star has fallen.

Once considered the NFL’s next great quarterback, Wentz finished second in MVP voting in 2017 before an ACL tear ended his season prematurely. The Eagles went on to win the Super Bowl with backup Nick Foles, and Wentz was never quite the same.

Since then, it’s been a carousel of inconsistency, locker room drama, and underwhelming production:

Philadelphia Eagles (2016–2020):

• Flashes of greatness (2017) turned into regression and poor decision-making.
• Benched in 2020 for Jalen Hurts.
• Rumors of poor leadership, lack of accountability.

Indianapolis Colts (2021):

• 27 TDs to 7 INTs looked decent on paper.
• But imploded down the stretch, including a catastrophic Week 18 loss to the Jaguars that kept Indy out of the playoffs.
• Colts owner Jim Irsay publicly torched the decision afterward.

Washington Commanders (2022):

• Failed to beat out Taylor Heinicke long-term.
• Posted a 2–5 record as a starter.
• Final pass as a Commander was a pick.

Wentz was unemployed for most of 2023 before the Rams signed him as a backup to Matthew Stafford late in the season. He barely played.

Why the Suggestion Feels So Bizarre in Carolina’s Context

Let’s be clear: the Panthers are building around Bryce Young. Every major move this offseason—hiring Dave Canales, trading for Diontae Johnson, drafting Xavier Legette, signing guards to beef up the O-line—has been focused on one goal: maximize Young’s development.

So what would Carson Wentz bring?

1. Not a Mentor

Wentz has never been viewed as a mentor. In fact, quite the opposite. Reports from his time in Philly and Indy painted him as aloof, reluctant to take coaching, and occasionally dismissive of younger players.

Bryce Young, by all accounts, is the anti-Wentz: poised, humble, and coachable. Putting Wentz in the same QB room could feel like a mismatch, both in personality and approach.

2. No Locker Room Stability

After cleaning house post-Matt Rhule and Frank Reich, the Panthers are trying to establish a no-nonsense, ego-free culture. Adding a controversial quarterback like Wentz would risk undermining that fragile rebuild.

This is the same franchise that just watched its veteran QB from last season, Andy Dalton, serve as a consummate pro—teaching Young the ropes, never complaining, and even playing well when called upon. If they wanted a vet backup, why not just bring Dalton back?

3. Too Much Spotlight

Carson Wentz is a walking headline. Even as a backup, his presence invites drama, unnecessary media questions, and second-guessing. The Panthers are trying to create a quiet, nurturing environment for Young to grow. Wentz does the opposite.

Are There Better Backup Options Out There?

Yes—and Carolina already has one.

The Panthers signed veteran QB Jake Luton as a reserve arm, and there’s been some talk of giving Matt Corral another look, though his future is cloudy. If Carolina wants experience, plenty of low-cost veterans are out there who wouldn’t command attention or drama:

• Nick Mullens – solid backup with West Coast system familiarity
• Brian Hoyer – nearly a QB coach at this point
• Colt McCoy – respected journeyman, mentor
• Teddy Bridgewater – a known commodity who already played in Carolina

All of them would be cheaper, more stable, and less controversial than Wentz.

Is There Any Football Logic to the Wentz Suggestion?

Playing devil’s advocate, we can ask: Could Wentz offer value if used properly and given no starting consideration?

The Case For (from the insider’s perspective):

• Mobile and experienced: Wentz can still move and throw on the run.
• Big arm: Could stretch the field if Young ever got hurt.
• Knows pressure: He’s played in playoff chases and Super Bowl conversations.
• Low-cost: As a backup, he’d likely sign for the veteran minimum.

That’s the theory. But in practice, all of that gets overshadowed by his inconsistency and declining performance. In his last 20 starts, Wentz threw 22 TDs and 18 INTs, completed under 62% of passes, and lost the trust of three separate franchises.

Can a quarterback bounce back from that much regression and reputation damage? The odds are long—and Carolina is in no position to take that kind of risk.

What Fans Are Saying: A Resounding “No Thanks”

Panthers message boards and Reddit threads exploded following the suggestion. Here are a few representative quotes:

• @BlackAndBlueBlog: “The team is finally building a real culture. Carson Wentz is not part of that picture.”
• @QueenCityJake: “This would be like lighting a match in a dry forest. Total disaster waiting to happen.”
• @PanthersFaithful_22: “We said goodbye to chaos for a reason. Don’t invite it back in.”

The tone is consistent: Even if Wentz is technically serviceable, the risk outweighs the reward.

What Dave Canales and Dan Morgan Are Actually Doing

If you look at Carolina’s offseason actions—not the rumor mill—they’ve been methodical and deliberate:

• Signed three veteran offensive linemen to rebuild protection
• Traded for Diontae Johnson to add a reliable separator
• Drafted Legette, Jonathon Brooks, and Ja’Tavion Sanders to create playmaker depth
• Kept Bryce Young front and center in every scheme discussion

This is a team building for the long-term, not chasing quick-fix headlines. Signing Wentz would be out of character for a front office that has so far prioritized culture, accountability, and cohesion.

Some Suggestions Are Best Left Ignored

In today’s NFL content ecosystem, hot takes are currency. Not every suggestion is made with true strategic intent—some are designed simply to stir the pot. The call for the Panthers to sign Carson Wentz feels like one of those takes: just plausible enough to discuss, but not rooted in the actual needs or direction of the team.

To bring in Wentz would be to invite noise, doubt, and potential disruption into what should be a carefully constructed second-year reset for Bryce Young and this new-look Panthers franchise.

Dan Morgan and Dave Canales have clearly defined their vision: stability, development, and trust in the quarterback they hand-picked to lead the next era.

If there’s one thing Carolina doesn’t need in 2025, it’s Carson Wentz.