Not that there was too much drama surrounding the Panthers’ plans at quarterback, but no Andy Dalton-led buildup period will occur involving the No. 1 overall pick.
Frank Reich confirmed Wednesday that Bryce Young is the team’s No. 1 QB. A 14-game Saints starter last season, Dalton can be viewed as one of the league’s top backups. The offseason Panther pickup said recently he still views himself as a starter-caliber QB. Barring something unforeseen, however, the 13th-year veteran will be backing up Young.
“When we decided to pick Bryce we imagined and saw the vision that we’d be standing here today saying he’s QB1,” Reich said, via ESPN’s David Newton.
[RELATED: Panthers Sign Young To Rookie Contract]
Shortly after making a deal to acquire the No. 1 overall pick from the Bears, the Panthers signed Dalton to a two-year, $10MM deal. That contract included $8MM guaranteed, a considerable insurance payment weeks ahead of the Young investment. The Panthers had not completely settled on Young at that point, but the team had been leaning that way. The 5-foot-10 Alabama prospect became the pick, and although Dalton took first-team reps to start the team’s offseason program, the journeyman passer will begin his mentorship role.
This differs from the Bears’ plan in 2021. Chicago named Dalton its starter upon signing him that March, keeping Justin Fields on the sideline to begin his career. Dalton made six starts that year but rebounded to overtake Jameis Winston in New Orleans in 2022. He received a guarantee in line with the high-end QB2-type free agents this offseason, illustrating the Panthers’ hope to fortify a position that has been one of the league’s biggest trouble spots since Cam Newton‘s injuries accelerated a decline.
While C.J. Stroud should be expected to start early in his Texans tenure and Anthony Richardson should see extended time for the Colts this season, neither has been named a starter just yet. Young will lead the way on this front. Dominating as a two-year Crimson Tide starter, Young earned the natural scrutiny that comes with being a 5-10 passer. But the Panthers did not view Young’s frame as enough of a concern to take Stroud or Richardson first overall. The team dispensing with any QB competition talk, unlike the 2021 Jaguars with No. 1 pick Trevor Lawrence, illustrates the early confidence in Young.
You don’t move up in a draft trading away two first-round picks, second-rounders in 23 and 25, and a wide receiver to not start the guy.
Man, who saw THIS coming??
This is shocking bro. I got goosebumps. I won’t be able to sleep tonight
Breaking news: water is wet. More at 11
Even Andy Dalton’s mother shrugged and moved on with her day. Nothing to see here, just a prematurely announced outcome that is sure to be jinxed by injury
This dude looks frail and fragile. Unless he packs on some weight he’ll get crushed. He won’t make it playing 17 games
I’m on the Andy will play 7 games while Young deals with injuries train!
Tepper hasn’t impressed me as an owner that can stick to a plan long term. It seems every few months he shift gears and decides the team should be going in a different direction. I suppose when you pay billions for a team you have the right to micro manage but he actually hurts the Panthers more than helps when he does this.
While I’m not a Young believer, this was the only way things could have gone. You can’t move up and take a QB #1 then not start him. Going to be frustrating for Dalton, sitting behind a guy he’s clearly better than. But thats the life of a mediocre NFL QB. He’ll be a great mentor. No doubt about that.