The Carolina Panthers‘ quarterback competition officially ended on Wednesday with the revelation of what had been an open secret: Bryce Young will be Carolina‘s starting quarterback this season.
Young, the #1 pick in April’s NFL Draft, recently signed a four-year contract with the Panthers and was expected to take the reins as their starting quarterback. While other franchises have chosen to slowly bed in top quarterback prospects, Carolina is going full steam ahead with Young, who has already displayed many of the hallmarks that define an elite NFL signal-caller.
Zero drama: Young is #1
Speaking to the media on Wednesday, new Panthers head coach Frank Reich kept it simple when asked if the quarterback competition was over.
Yes, he’s QB1.
The Panthers signed a capable backup for Young, adding experience to the QB room in the form of veteran Andy Dalton. The former Bengals, Cowboys, Bears, and Saints signal-caller has thrown 244 touchdown passes in his 12-year career and will provide quality insurance should Young get injured or struggle early in his NFL career.
Young continues to impress as training camp begins
Based on his displays and performance reviews throughout minicamp and the first hours of training camp, Young is not expected to need long to adapt to the NFL game. He continues to stand out for his accuracy and decision-making — not to mention the strength of his throwing arm.
Confirmation that Young is poised to lead Carolina into the future should provide a boost to Panthers fans, who are hoping the former Alabama star can lead their team to the promised land.
