Still the Panthers’ enigma: Is Bryce Young a franchise QB? 

JEFF HAWKINS | THE CHARLOTTE POST

Bryce Young answers reporters' questions at Bank of America Stadium. Young's rebound from an early-season benching in 2024 gives Carolina Panthers coach Dave Canales momentum in developing Young in his third NFL season.

While helping coach young receivers during mandatory minicamp in June, Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young instructed them on how to flip their hips on a route. 

Moments later, following a 7-on-7 series, Young tracked down Xavier Legette from across the field for a quick chat. Young pointed to the practice field’s video board to emphasize a message on better shoulder placement.  

Coach Dave Canales said Young’s presence has been felt more this offseason, but when training camp opens on Monday, Young remains an enigma. Is he a franchise-level quarterback, or will Young revert to his bewildering early-career form, which led to his Week 2 benching last season? 

In their second year together, Canales remains confident that Young’s growth will be spurred by operating a familiar offensive system. 

“He’s showing such great mastery of what we’re doing that he’s allowing us to really push the envelope and do more things,” Canales said. “I think the pace of our offensive development (and) evolution is growing at the pace of Bryce.” 

Panthers expect Young to take next step 

Over the final three regular-season outings last season, Young accounted for 10 touchdowns and zero interceptions. Despite starting 1-7, the Panthers rebounded to finish 5-12. Seven of their final nine games were decided by seven points or fewer, and four went into overtime. 

Canales said he expects Young, a normally reserved personality, to continue commanding the run-first offensive philosophy. The second-year coach witnessed the offseason effort Young delivered. He anticipates a stronger start to ‘25. 

“We want to become Bryce Young’s offense, become this collective thing and get the chemistry going," Canales said. 

Young finished last season with 2,403 passing yards, 15 touchdowns and nine interceptions. He also scored five rushing TDs. But through his first two starts in 2024, Young completed just 55.4% of his passes, primarily short tosses, and posted zero scoring passes and three interceptions as the Panthers were outscored 73-13. Backup Andy Dalton took over, but Young stayed engaged, maturing through adversity. 

How much, though? 

That’s certainly one of the Panthers’ biggest questions entering camp.  

Young will start providing some conclusions Tuesday when the veterans report to the practice fields behind Bank of America Stadium. With a new facility under construction, fans cannot attend workouts. The Panthers host the Cleveland Browns in their exhibition opener Aug. 8. 

Young needs to produce in 2025 to earn a contract extension 

Can Young lead Carolina to its first playoff appearance since 2017? 

If he does, it could begin answering the questions surrounding the fifth year of Young’s rookie contract. Will the 2023 No. 1 overall draft pick earn an extension by proving to be a franchise quarterback? 

The Panthers, who play three of their first four regular season games on the road, need a strong start to keep fans’ interest piqued. If Young struggles early, however, the silence over any potential deal could become deafening. The 2026 NFL Draft is likely to feature top quarterback prospects like Texas’ Arch Manning, LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier, Clemson’s Cade Klubnik and South Carolina’s LaNorris Sellers. 

Canales’ focus remains on Young’s growth.  Young anticipates building on his early-career experiences, good and bad. 

“It's definitely something that I'm grateful for,” he said. “As (I) felt more and more comfortable throughout last year and then now going into year two in the system ... we continue to build our relationship and grow within the entire offensive staff.

“It's been great just being able to start at a higher level now (and) focus on growth rather than learning.” 

Throughout the offseason program, Young looked sharp at times. Like his 11-on-11 play during mandatory minicamp on June 11 when Young toyed with the first-time defense. He twice tossed TD passes to Legette and capped the effort with a pinpoint, 2-point conversion to a well-covered David Moore.  

The next day, Young threw an ill-advised interception to cornerback Mike Jackson. 

The enigma continues.

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