CHARLOTTE, N.C.
Bryce Young has been confirmed as the starting quarterback for the Carolina Panthers, despite uncertainty surrounding his long-term prospects with the team.
Coach Dave Canales announced after Wednesday’s practice that Young will start for the third consecutive time this Sunday against the New York Giants in Munich, Germany.
As the top pick in the 2023 draft, Young recently secured his first victory since last December, leading the Panthers to a narrow comeback win against the New Orleans Saints, finishing the game 23-22 and improving his record to 3-17 as a starter in the NFL.
He is set to lead the team, even with Andy Dalton available after recovering from a sprained right thumb sustained in a car collision. Dalton had previously taken over the starting role from Young in Week 3 and had started five games.
“This is about progress from one week to the next,” Canales stated, emphasizing the importance of completing plays and games. “He did a fantastic job of finishing that game.”
Nevertheless, Canales refrained from guaranteeing that Young would remain the starter beyond this week.
Initially, Canales opted for Dalton, citing the veteran quarterback’s ability to provide the best opportunity for the Panthers to win, but he did not disclose if Young currently represents the same advantage.
The subject of Young’s permanent position with the team has not been addressed openly by Canales, nor has it been by general manager Dan Morgan.
Morgan acknowledged that they are witnessing Young’s growth and development under Canales but halted short of labeling him as the team’s future quarterback.
“At the end of the day, we’ll have those conversations once the season wraps up and we’ll assess where we stand,” Morgan commented.
The Panthers’ recent trades involving wide receivers Diontae Johnson and Jonathan Mingo, who was a second-round pick in 2023, did raise questions.
Although Morgan received inquiries regarding a potential trade for Young before the deadline, he clarified that he never contemplated parting ways with the young quarterback.
“We never got into any discussions,” Morgan explained. “I never opened that door. I didn’t want to trade Bryce and still don’t. I am committed to working with him and assisting in his growth.”
Currently, the Panthers, with a 2-7 record, are tied with several teams for the fewest wins in the league, potentially positioning them for a high draft pick in 2025, which could include the chance to select one of the nation’s premier college quarterbacks.
When asked about the possibility of using a high first-round selection next April on a quarterback, Morgan said, “I will consider everything.”
“I am going to have an open mind,” he added, stressing the importance of drafting quality players regardless of position. “We will be drafting really good football players who will contribute to our team’s future.”