Bryce Young spent one of Carolina’s early camp practices making a point of his own.
The Panthers had already claimed some defense-first bragging rights through the first two sessions of training camp last week, but Young flipped the script during the fifth practice. He attacked vertically, kept the offense on schedule and, by the end of the day, had the defense hearing it from the other side.
Pro Bowl cornerback Jaycee Horn said after practice that the offense had its way with the defense.
That kind of showing fit the way head coach Dave Canales described Young afterward.
"Bryce is just continuing to take the next steps,” Panthers coach Dave Canales said, as reported by The Charlotte Observer. “What I see from Bryce right now is just ownership and mastery of the concepts. And now, I just see the timing, the rhythm, and just the me-to-you factor with his guys."
Young’s fifth NFL season is already locked in, and the bigger question is what comes after that. He’s set to compete for a contract extension next season, and Carolina still wants to know whether the 2023 No. 1 overall draft choice can keep climbing during the team’s NFC South title defense. The other question hanging over camp is even bigger: can he grow into a top-10 quarterback?
On Wednesday, during the players’ second padded practice, Young looked the part of a high-end starter.
One of his best throws came on an 11-on-11 rep when he found Xavier Legette in the end zone. Legette got behind safety Nick Scott, and Young dropped the ball into the corner for the score.
Later, Young sent up a high-arcing throw to wide receiver and special teams ace Brycen Tremayne, who outjumped cornerback Corey Thornton to make the catch. The two jawed at each other afterward.
Tight end JaTavion Sanders added to the highlight reel with a one-handed grab while safety Tre’von Moehrig was in coverage.
"I just see his level of comfort really showing up with the guys," Canales said. "I’m just excited as we continue to build on that.”
Young’s rise has already shown up in the results. After a rough start to his career, he led the 8-9 Panthers to the NFC South crown last season and posted career highs in passing yards with 3,011 and touchdown passes with 23. His passer rating finished at 87.78.
Now the next step belongs to Dan Morgan and the front office. Before Carolina commits to Young on a long-term deal, the general manager needs to see whether the 2021 Heisman Trophy winner keeps moving forward in 2026.
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