The Carolina Panthers have taken a significant leap forward in Dave Canales' second season as head coach. Despite finishing the regular season with an 8-9 record, they clinched the NFC South and nearly toppled Los Angeles in the playoffs. At the NFL Scouting Combine, Panthers GM Dan Morgan shared his thoughts on the team's quarterback, Bryce Young, following an electrifying 2025 season.
Morgan didn't hold back in his admiration for Young, highlighting the quarterback's resilience and growth since the 2024 season.
"I'm proud of Bryce in general," Morgan expressed on The Pat McAfee Show. "He faced adversity head-on after being benched.
I recall him sitting in my office, and I told him, 'You'll get back out there. Take this in stride and keep working hard.'
And that's exactly what he did."
Young found himself sidelined early in the 2024 season but seized his chance to reclaim the starting role after Andy Dalton's unfortunate car accident sidelined the veteran with a thumb injury.
Fast forward to 2025, and Young truly came into his own during his third NFL season. He threw for 3,011 yards, notched 23 touchdowns, and limited his interceptions to 11.
These numbers marked career highs across the board, finally showcasing the potential expected from a former first overall pick.
The Panthers are now poised to exercise Young's fifth-year option on his rookie contract. Should he continue to excel in 2026, discussions of a long-term extension could be on the horizon.
Seeing Young evolve into a bona fide franchise quarterback has been a rewarding journey. Now, the Panthers face the challenge of bolstering the roster to ensure Young has all the tools he needs for continued success in the upcoming season.