Carolina Panthers general manager Dan Morgan made it clear this week that the team’s belief in Bryce Young has not wavered despite a tumultuous start to his NFL career. Speaking during a post-season press conference on Monday, Morgan praised the former Alabama standout’s resilience, growth, and potential, putting to rest any speculation about his future as the Panthers’ franchise quarterback.
A Rocky Start and a Second Chance
When Morgan last addressed the media in November, Young was fresh off his second start after being benched for five games in favor of veteran Andy Dalton. At the time, Morgan indicated the team would evaluate Young’s progress at the end of the season.
Fast forward to January, and the conversation about Young’s role is no longer up for debate.
“I always believed Bryce would reach his potential,” Morgan said. “When or how that would happen, I wasn’t sure, but I knew it was in there. The benching gave him a chance to take a step back, catch his breath after a challenging rookie season and early struggles this year. To his credit, he used that time to reset and came back stronger. We’re all confident he’s our quarterback of the future.”
Turning the Corner
Young’s rookie year was far from smooth. Selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft after Carolina traded up to secure him, Young started 16 games but struggled to find consistency. The Panthers won just two games in 2023, and after scoring only 13 points across the first two games of 2024, the team turned to Dalton.
However, a mid-season injury to Dalton forced Young back into the lineup. While some speculated that the return was out of necessity, Morgan clarified that the plan was always for Young to regain the starting role.
“There was definitely a plan,” Morgan said. “We never gave up on Bryce.”
Young started the final 10 games of the season, leading the Panthers to a 4-6 record during that stretch. He threw 15 touchdown passes against six interceptions and added six rushing touchdowns, demonstrating the dual-threat capabilities that made him a Heisman Trophy winner at Alabama.
A Statement Performance to Close the Season
Carolina’s season finale showcased Young at his best. In a thrilling 44-38 overtime victory against the Atlanta Falcons, Young accounted for five total touchdowns, throwing for three and running for two. It was the Panthers’ highest-scoring game since 2017 and a glimpse of the player they believe can lead their franchise.
“We all saw Bryce in college,” Morgan said. “He won the Heisman for a reason. He’s electric—he can extend plays, hurt you with his legs, and beat you with his arm. That’s the same Bryce we saw at Alabama. He’s just scratching the surface, and I’m excited for what’s to come.”
Young’s Perspective: Gratitude and Growth
For Young, the focus remains on improvement. When asked about the team’s renewed confidence in him, he downplayed any sense of validation, instead emphasizing his commitment to growth.
“I don’t know if vindication’s the right word,” Young said. “I just try to control what I can control and be the best version of myself every day. Yesterday was a good day for the team, but there’s still so much we want to improve on—things I want to improve on.”
Young also expressed gratitude for the opportunity to learn and grow through adversity.
“This year was a big theme of embracing the good and the bad, learning from it, and growing. That’s going to be the approach moving forward: being grateful for the opportunity and staying committed to getting better every day.”
The Future of Bryce Young and the Panthers
Despite early challenges, both Morgan and Young seem aligned on the vision for the quarterback’s future in Carolina. With an offseason to build chemistry and refine his skills, the Panthers believe Young is poised to take the next step and lead the team to greater success in 2025.
As Morgan summed up: “Bryce is resilient, hardworking, and determined. The sky’s the limit for him, and we’re excited for what’s ahead.”
