Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young showed some serious promise during the back half of the 2024 NFL season, which has many wondering if he is, in fact, the Panthers’ long-term answer under center.
After all, Carolina selected him with the No. 1 overall pick of the 2023 NFL Draft and paid a steep price to acquire him via trade, so the Panthers definitely need Young to hit.
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But is it possible that Young will never actually materialize as a legitimate franchise quarterback in Carolina?
One NFL executive doesn’t seem to envision a bright future for the Panthers so long as Young is taking snaps, criticizing the University of Alabama product for a problem he can’t control: his size.
“I don’t know what makes them good,” the exec said, via Mike Sando of The Athletic. “I’m not convinced the quarterback is anything but a small guy, so you have to piece his throws together.”
HOUSTON, TEXAS – AUGUST 16: Bryce Young #9 of the Carolina Panthers stands on the sideline during the NFL Preseason 2025 game between Carolina Panthers and Houston Texans at NRG Stadium on August 16, 2025…
HOUSTON, TEXAS – AUGUST 16: Bryce Young #9 of the Carolina Panthers stands on the sideline during the NFL Preseason 2025 game between Carolina Panthers and Houston Texans at NRG Stadium on August 16, 2025 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Getty Images)
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Young stands just 5-foot-10, which is unquestionably small for a signal-caller and makes it that much more difficult for them to see over the line of scrimmage and complete short passes that could be batted down by defensive linemen.
Nevertheless, the 24-year-old was very impressive down the stretch last season, particularly in Weeks 16 through 18 when he totaled seven passing touchdowns, three rushing scores and no interceptions.
Young actually lost his starting job early on in 2024, but regained it in late October. In 14 games and 12 starts, the Wynnewood, Pa. native threw for 2,403 yards, 15 touchdowns and nine picks while completing 60.9 percent of his passes.
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Carolina now has a very impressive young receiving corps surrounding Young after selecting both Tetairoa McMillan and Jimmy Horn Jr. in the NFL Draft. Those two rookies will join Xavier Legette and Jalen Coker in the wide receiver room, and the Panthers also have an intriguing prospect in Ja’Tavion Sanders at tight end.
We’ll see if Young and Carolina can take a step forward this fall.
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