Several Signs Point to Bryce Young Turnaround in 2024

Bryce Young has been nothing short of a nightmare for the Carolina Panthers so far. 

Not only has he performed poorly on the field, but Carolina also had to give up a ridiculous amount of value for him – trading away DJ Moore and four draft picks, including the No. 1 overall pick in this year’s draft.

And that’s not even to mention that they passed up on selecting C.J. Stroud in favor of Young. But are fans labeling him a bust too soon? 

Bryce Young Named Panthers’ Most Promising Building Block

Carolina’s future depends on the improvement of Young, and fans might not want to give up on that happening. 

A recent Bleacher Report article highlighted Young as the team’s best building block heading into this season, and it’s not out of the realm of possibility that comes to fruition. 

"Look, his rookie year was a disaster. I'm not arguing that. Bryce Young was the No. 1 overall pick for many good reasons, though, and a new coaching staff with an improved receiving corps has created a more encouraging situation in 2024. Young must be far better this season, but it's much too early to give up on him."

- David Kenyon, Bleacher Report

Young wasn’t exactly set up to succeed in 2023. It often takes time for quarterbacks to develop in the NFL, and a 22-year-old Young was thrown into the fire with little help last season.

Adam Thielen turned in an impressive 1,000-yard season. But there were virtually no other reliable receivers as DJ Chark (525 yards, 5 TDs) finished as the only other Panthers player with at least 500 yards.

That’s changed significantly this offseason. 

Though Chark is now with the Los Angeles Chargers, Thielen returns, while Carolina traded for Diontae Johnson and drafted Xavier Legette out of South Carolina with the 32nd overall pick.

The offensive line has been beefed up, too, with Carolina adding guards Robert Hunt and Damien Lewis in free agency.

Reports out of Carolina have all been positive about Young, with teammates and coaches saying he’s more comfortable and growing into a leadership role. And having a new coaching staff will certainly help. 

Head coach Dave Canales is fresh off a season in which he helped revitalize Baker Mayfield’s career as the offensive coordinator in Tampa, and he already has a plan for improving Young.

Canales has said the staff is working on improving Young’s footwork and rhythm to help him get the ball out earlier – ideally under 3 seconds after the snap. 

With a better supporting cast, coaches with a proven track record and a year under his belt, this upcoming season could be make-or-break for Young.

Don’t assume it will go poorly just yet.

More Carolina Panthers Team News: