Is the Bryce Young Experiment in Carolina Almost Up?
With the number one pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, the Carolina Panthers, with no hesitation, selected Bryce Young. As the 2021 Heisman trophy winner, who threw 8,356 passing yards with a 65.8% passing completion throughout his three years at Alabama, Bryce Young was seemingly destined to enter the NFL Draft and continue his football legacy in the league.
Being chosen by the Carolina Panthers may not be the best-case scenario for any young quarterback. Yet, Bryce Young took on the opportunity with grace and felt honored to be a part of the organization. In his initial interview after being drafted, Young stated that he was “ready to get to work” and ready to be the one who helps to get this team back to prominence by winning football games.
After three seasons in the league, Bryce Young has indeed made improvements to his game, but it hasn’t been enough to get him out of the conversation of possibly not returning to the Panthers once his contract is up. Just like any team in the NFL, coming into the Panther organization, the fans expect immediate results. In his rookie season, Young had 2,877 passing yards to his name and 11 TDs; however, he also threw 10 interceptions, over 200 incompletions, and was sacked 62 times.
He was benched after two games in his second year, only to have a good stretch of games towards the end of that season. Now in season three, going into week three, the Panthers sit at 0-2 with Bryce already securing four interceptions and sacks, with the offense not looking great.
The chatter that is now swirling is wondering if the Bryce Young experiment over in the Carolinas, and if so, who could be the next QB for the Carolina Panthers. If a trade is proposed to Panther GM Dan Morgan, expect him to entertain it. Bringing in a more versatile, athletic, and younger quarterback, such as Shedeur Sanders from the Cleveland Browns, would bring more excitement to the team and increase the chances of winning more games.
Yet, leaning more towards veteran quarterbacks like current Panther backup Andy Dalton isn’t a terrible option. Dalton is in his 15th season and can launch the ball where it needs to be. During the stretch of Young being benched last season, Dalton was able to lead the Panthers as best he could by winning one game out of the five games that he started.
As the 2025 season goes, a decision has to be made for the Panthers to at least compete in the NFC.