In a world full of uncertainties, finding a quarterback in the NFL remains one of the toughest jobs for a general manager.
While it may have worked for teams like the Buffalo Bills and the Kansas City Chiefs when selecting a quarterback with loads of traits, the same could not be said for other franchises. Even when a prospect is labeled as a “can’t-miss” player, this means nothing for the future outlook of their career.
In the case of Carolina Panthers’ Bryce Young, the former 2023 No. 1 pick may not be the answer to the franchise’s quarterback position.
After trading away four draft picks and former Panthers’ wide receiver DJ Moore, the organization obtained the No. 1 pick for the 2023 NFL Draft, which would eventually be used to select Young over the likes of CJ Stroud and Anthony Richardson. The former Alabama standout impressed scouts throughout his time with the Crimson Tide, causing him to be the first quarterback to go off the board.
However, the massive trade-up may have set the team back, as Young has yet to prove himself in Carolina.
Throughout his two-and-a-half seasons with the Panthers, the 24-year-old quarterback has thrown for 6,794 yards, 37 touchdowns, and 26 interceptions while maintaining a 60.6 completion percentage. During his time as a starter, however, Young possesses an 11-28 record and has already witnessed one coaching change.
It’s clear that the team’s franchise quarterback has dealt with adversity over the course of his time in the NFL. However, unfortunately for Young, the reality is that he is simply unable to elevate an organization.
This is not me saying that Young could eventually be successful at some point in his career. Quarterbacks Baker Mayfield and Sam Darnold are prime examples of players who have found success when paired with the correct team.
But at this point, Young should be viewed in a similar light as quarterback Brock Purdy, who tends to excel at steering the ship for an offense that is riddled with talent. There have been numerous instances this season when Young has performed well within a structured approach, which has contributed to the team's 5-5 record through 10 weeks.
The downside to having a game manager is the simple fact that, in most cases, when there is no talent surrounding him, the head coach will not be able to rely on him to take over a game.
This was made clear in Week 10 against the New Orleans Saints, as running back Rico Dowdle was held to 53 rushing yards on 18 attempts. When it mattered most, Young threw a critical interception in the fourth quarter that completely shifted the momentum of the game.
Obviously, general manager Dan Morgan has tried to help Young to the best of his abilities, selecting both Tetairoa McMillian and Xavier Legette in the first round of the past two NFL Drafts. However, there is still plenty of work left to be done, and with the Panthers needing to decide whether or not to pick up Young’s fifth-year option this offseason, the organization is not properly suited for the struggling quarterback.