The Carolina Panthers have agreed to terms with wide receiver John Metchie III on a one-year contract, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. The move officially reunites Metchie with his former Alabama teammate and current Panthers quarterback Bryce Young.
Metchie, 25, became a free agent after the New York Jets declined to tender him as a restricted free agent earlier this month. The receiver spent the 2025 season split between the Jets and the Philadelphia Eagles, where he recorded 33 receptions for 274 yards and two touchdowns across 16 games.
The duo of Young and Metchie was highly productive during their shared tenure in Tuscaloosa. In 2021, Metchie led the Crimson Tide with 96 receptions for 1,142 yards and eight touchdowns while Young won the Heisman Trophy. The Panthers are looking to capitalize on that established collegiate chemistry as they bolster their offensive weapons for the 2026 season.
Originally a second-round pick by the Houston Texans in 2022, Metchie missed his rookie season after being diagnosed with leukemia. Since returning to the field in 2023, he has appeared in 45 career regular-season games, totaling 73 catches for 686 yards and three touchdowns. He now joins a Carolina receiving room that features Tetairoa McMillan and Jalen Coker.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
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