The Carolina Panthers made some major changes during the 2024 NFL offseason. All of the moves they made were with an eye toward helping Bryce Young move forward with his development.
His rookie season went more poorly than even the most pessimistic person would have predicted. The Carolina Panthers went 3-14, didn’t own their 2024 first-round pick and watched C.J. Stroud, the No. 2 pick turn in an MVP-caliber season.
There was not anything positive to take away from 2023. Despite that, there are some people optimistic about the future of Carolina.
One of those people is former star linebacker Luke Kuechly. During a recent appearance on Up and Adams, Kuechly spoke highly about the growth Bryce Young has made as a leader despite less-than-ideal circumstances.
“I think Bryce is very intelligent…I think moving forward, he’s going to be fine,” Kuechly said to Kay Adams.
Having a leader at quarterback is a great attribute to start with. The Carolina Panthers are hoping that new head coach Dave Canales can now coax some production out of the Alabama product.
Carolina ownership is hoping that Canales can do for Bryce Young what he did for Baker Mayfield in 2023. The No. 1 pick in the 2018 NFL Draft of the Cleveland Browns, Mayfield’s career was floundering as people questioned whether he was a starter in the NFL.
He answered that question with a resounding yes in 2023. Mayfield had a career season under Canales and earned a three-year deal from the Buccaneers this offseason.
In addition to Canales taking over as head coach, the team made a concerted effort to upgrade the supporting cast around Bryce Young. He will have a lot more weapons to work with in addition to a strong, offensive-minded head coach.
Wide receiver Diontae Johnson was acquired from the Pittsburgh Steelers and a first-round pick was used on Xavier Legette. Running back Jonathan Brooks was selected in Round 2, joining Miles Sanders and Chuba Hubbard.
In Round 4, the Carolina Panthers selected Brooks’ collegiate teammate at Texas, tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders. The offensive line was also bolstered in free agency.
The Carolina Panthers are still early in their rebuild, but they look to be heading in the right direction. It is imperative for their future for Bryce Young to take that next step in 2024 and show progress.
