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2024 NFL Fifth-Year Option Tracker

May 1st, 2023 at 9:55pm CST by Sam Robinson

NFL teams have until May 2 to officially pick up fifth-year options on 2020 first-rounders who are entering the final year of their rookie deals. The 2020 CBA revamped the option structure and made them fully guaranteed, rather than guaranteed for injury only. Meanwhile, fifth-year option salaries are now determined by a blend of the player’s position, initial draft placement and performance- and usage-based benchmarks:

  • Two-time Pro Bowlers (excluding alternate Pro Bowlers) will earn the same as their position’s franchise tag.
  • One-time Pro Bowlers will earn the equivalent of the transition tag.
  • Players who achieve any of the following will get the average of the third-20th highest salaries at their position:
    • At least a 75% snap rate in two of their first three seasons
    • A 75% snap average across all three seasons
    • At least 50% in each of first three seasons
  • Players who do not hit any of those benchmarks will receive the average of the third-25th top salaries at their position.

With the deadline looming, we’ll use the space below to track all the option decisions from around the league:

  1. QB Joe Burrow, Bengals ($29.5MM): Exercised
  2. DE Chase Young, Commanders ($17.45MM): Declined
  3. CB Jeff Okudah, Falcons* ($11.51MM): N/A
  4. T Andrew Thomas, Giants ($14.18MM): Exercised
  5. QB Tua Tagovailoa, Dolphins ($23.2MM): Exercised
  6. QB Justin Herbert, Chargers ($29.5MM): Exercised
  7. DT Derrick Brown, Panthers ($11.67MM): Exercised 
  8. LB Isaiah Simmons, Cardinals ($12.72MM): Declined
  9. CB C.J. Henderson, Jaguars** ($11.51MM): Declined
  10. T Jedrick Wills, Browns ($14.18MM): Exercised
  11. T Mekhi Becton, Jets ($12.57MM): Declined
  12. WR Henry Ruggs, Raiders: N/A
  13. T Tristan Wirfs, Buccaneers ($18.24MM): Exercised
  14. DT Javon Kinlaw, 49ers ($10.46MM): Declined
  15. WR Jerry Jeudy, Broncos ($14.12MM): Exercised
  16. CB AJ Terrell, Falcons ($12.34MM): Exercised
  17. WR CeeDee Lamb, Cowboys ($17.99MM): Exercised
  18. OL Austin Jackson, Dolphins ($14.18MM): Declined
  19. CB Damon Arnette, Raiders: N/A
  20. DE K’Lavon Chaisson, Jaguars ($12.14MM): Declined
  21. WR Jalen Reagor, Vikings*** ($12.99MM): To decline
  22. WR Justin Jefferson, Vikings ($19.74MM): Exercised
  23. LB Kenneth Murray, Chargers ($11.73MM): Declined
  24. G Cesar Ruiz, Saints ($14.18MM): Declined
  25. WR Brandon Aiyuk, 49ers ($14.12MM): Exercised
  26. QB Jordan Love, Packers ($20.27MM): Extended through 2024
  27. LB Jordyn Brooks, Seahawks ($12.72MM): Declined
  28. LB Patrick Queen, Ravens ($12.72MM): Declined
  29. T Isaiah Wilson, Titans: N/A
  30. CB Noah Igbinoghene, Dolphins ($11.51MM): Declined
  31. CB Jeff Gladney, Vikings: N/A
  32. RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Chiefs ($5.46MM): To decline

* = Lions traded Okudah on April 11, 2023
** = Jaguars traded Henderson on Sept. 27, 2021
*** = Eagles traded Reagor on August 31, 2022

Panthers Pick Up Derrick Brown’s Fifth-Year Option, Decline C.J. Henderson’s

May 1st, 2023 at 4:06pm CST by Sam Robinson

A 2021 trade made the Panthers responsible for two fifth-year option decisions ahead of Tuesday’s deadline. The team will only pick up Derrick Brown‘s option, passing on C.J. Henderson‘s.

This was the expected call for the Panthers, who have rebuffed trade inquiries on Brown since the Matt Rhule firing opened the floodgates on that front last year. The Bears inquired about the former top-10 pick in this year’s talks about the No. 1 overall selection, but the sides ended up reaching a deal that included D.J. Moore. Brown is now under contract for two more years.

Since Brown has been a regular starter but one without a Pro Bowl on his resume, he qualifies for the third tier of the fifth-year option structure. That comes out to a manageable $11.67MM fully guaranteed salary for Brown in 2024. Even as Henderson’s playing time drops him to Tier 4 of the option hierarchy ($11.51MM for cornerbacks), the Panthers are passing. Henderson is now in a contract year.

Brown, who turned 25 last month, has continued to elevate his game. Pro Football Focus ranked the former No. 7 overall pick as the game’s seventh-best interior D-lineman last season. The advanced metrics site slotted Brown third overall among interior D-linemen against the run. The Auburn product finished last season with just one sack but batted down seven passes and totaled 17 pressures. That number ranked in the top 15 among pure interior defenders last season.

When the Panthers axed Rhule in October 2022, they fielded calls on a few players. Christian McCaffrey ended up being dealt, but the Panthers hung onto Moore, Brown and Brian Burns. The Panthers relented on Moore when other teams’ interest in the No. 1 overall pick required them to up their offer to the Bears, but Brown and Burns are extension candidates. The Panthers have Burns going into his fifth-year option season, but they have continued to plan for an extension. Brown became extension-eligible in January, but seeing as Monday’s option call locks him down through 2024, it would not be surprising if the team huddled up on a Brown deal next year.

Henderson has not delivered what the Panthers had hoped upon trading for him early during the 2021 season. The Jaguars bailed on the former No. 9 overall draftee early, with Urban Meyer signing off on the September 2021 trade. After going down with an injury midway through his rookie season, Henderson has not become a reliable starter. PFF ranked the Florida alum outside the top 100 at corner in 2021 and ’22.

The Panthers also have potential extension payments coming to Jeremy Chinn and Jaycee Horn; both of whom came up amid the post-Rhule fallout last year. Donte Jackson and Vonn Bell are tied to veteran deals. Up front, no big contracts reside on the Panthers’ payroll. But Burns will likely change that soon. By next summer, both Burns and Brown could be signed to long-term accords. But Monday’s decision bought the Panthers additional time on Brown.

2023 NFL Draft Results: Team By Team

April 29th, 2023 at 10:35pm CST by Sam Robinson

As the 2023 NFL Draft gets underway, we will keep track of each team’s haul here:

Arizona Cardinals

Round 1, No. 6 (from Rams through Lions): Paris Johnson, OT (Ohio State) (signed)
Round 2, No. 41 (from Titans): BJ Ojulari, DE (LSU) (signed)
Round 3, No. 72 (from Titans): Garrett Williams, CB (Syracuse) (signed)
Round 3, No. 94 (from Eagles): Michael Wilson, WR (Stanford) (signed)
Round 4, No. 122 (from Dolphins through Chiefs and Lions): Jon Gaines II, G (UCLA) (signed)
Round 5, No. 139 (from Broncos through Lions): Clayton Tune, QB (Houston) (signed)
Round 5, No. 168 (from Cardinals through Lions): Owen Pappoe, LB (Auburn) (signed)
Round 5, No. 180: Kei’Trel Clark, CB (Louisville) (signed)
Round 6, No. 213: Dante Stills, DT (West Virginia) (signed)

Atlanta Falcons

Round 1, No. 8: Bijan Robinson, RB (Texas) (signed)
Round 2, No. 38 (from Colts): Matthew Bergeron, T (Syracuse) (signed)
Round 3, No. 75: Zach Harrison, DE (Ohio State) (signed)
Round 4, No. 113: Clark Phillips III, CB (Utah) (signed)
Round 7, No. 224 (from Raiders): DeMarcco Hellams, S (Alabama) (signed)
Round 7, No. 225: Jovaughn Gwyn, G (South Carolina) (signed)

Baltimore Ravens

Round 1, No. 22: Zay Flowers, WR (Boston College) (signed)
Round 3, No. 86: Trenton Simpson, LB (Clemson) (signed)
Round 4, No. 124: Tavius Robinson, LB (Ole Miss) (signed)
Round 5, No. 157: Kyu Blu Kelly, CB (Stanford) (signed)
Round 6, No. 199: Malaesala Aumavae-Laulu, OT (Oregon) (signed)
Round 7, No. 229 (from Browns): Andrew Vorhees, G (USC) (signed)

Buffalo Bills

Round 1, No. 25 (from Giants through Jaguars): Dalton Kincaid, TE (Utah) (signed)
Round 2, No. 59: O’Cyrus Torrence, G (Florida) (signed)
Round 3, No, 91: Dorian Williams, LB (Tulane) (signed)
Round 5, No. 150 (from Commanders): Justin Shorter, WR (Florida) (signed)
Round 7, No. 230 (from Buccaneers through Jets, Texans, Eagles and Bills): Nick Broeker, G (Ole Miss) (signed)
Round 7, No. 252 (from Buccaneers through Rams): Alex Austin, CB (Oregon State) (signed)

Carolina Panthers

Round 1, No. 1 (from Bears): Bryce Young, QB (Alabama) (signed)
Round 2, No. 39: Jonathan Mingo, WR (Ole Miss) (signed)
Round 3, No. 80 (from Steelers): D.J. Johnson, DE (Oregon) (signed)
Round 4, No. 114: Chandler Zavala, G (North Carolina State) (signed)
Round 5, No. 145: Jammie Robinson, S (Florida State) (signed)

Chicago Bears

Round 1, No. 10 (from Saints through Eagles): Darnell Wright, OT (Tennessee) (signed)
Round 2, No. 53 (from Ravens): Gervon Dexter, DT (Florida) (signed)
Round 2, No. 56 (from Jaguars): Tyrique Stevenson, CB (Miami) (signed)
Round 3, No. 64: Zacch Pickens, DT (South Carolina) (signed)
Round 4, No. 115 (from Saints): Roschon Johnson, RB (Texas) (signed)
Round 4, No. 133 (from Eagles): Tyler Scott, WR (Cincinnati) (signed)
Round 5, No. 148 (from Patriots through Ravens): Noah Sewell, LB (Oregon) (signed)
Round 5, No. 165 (from Saints through Eagles): Terell Smith, CB (Minnesota) (signed)
Round 7, No. 218: Travis Bell, DT (Kennesaw State) (signed)
Round 7, No. 258: Kendall Williamson, S (Stanford) (signed)

Cincinnati Bengals

Round 1, No. 28: Myles Murphy, DE (Clemson) (signed)
Round 2, No. 60: DJ Turner, CB (Michigan) (signed)
Round 3, No. 95 (from Chiefs): Jordan Battle, S (Alabama) (signed)
Round 4, No. 131: Charlie Jones, WR (Purdue) (signed)
Round 5, No. 163: Chase Brown, RB (Illinois) (signed)
Round 6, No. 206: Andrei Iosivas, WR (Princeton) (signed)
Round 6, No. 217 (from Chiefs): Brad Robbins, P (Michigan) (signed)
Round 7, No. 246: DJ Ivey, CB (Miami) (signed)

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Panthers Acquire No. 80 From Steelers

April 28th, 2023 at 9:07pm CST by Adam La Rose

The latest Day 2 deal will see the Panthers acquire pick No. 80 from the Steelers. Pittsburgh will add the 93rd and 132nd selections, NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero tweets. Carolina has selected defensive end D.J. Johnson.

The Panthers gained the ability to make moves up the board in no small part due to the capital added in the Christian McCaffrey trade, including each of the selections used in this swap. Johnson will add to their edge rushing stable, a spot the team made clear was a point of emphasis leading up to the draft.

Carolina has Brian Burns at the top of their depth chart in that department, but depth additions such as this one will be welcomed. Johnson wore a number of hats at Oregon, but his play on the defensive side of the ball highlighted his abilities as a disruptive force both against the pass and run.

The 6-4, 260-pounder racked up 39 tackles (including 8.5 for loss) and six sacks in 2022, making it by far the most productive season of his career. He was one of many mid-round edge rushing prospects in this year’s deep class, and he will look to continue his progression as a full-time player in that regard at the NFL level.

The Steelers have already filled arguably their two biggest needs (offensive tackle and cornerback) with their first two selections, making it especially beneficial to move down the board with this move. Carolina, meanwhile, still has fourth- and fifth-rounders as things currently stand.

Draft Notes: Young, Chiefs, Saints, Addison, Vikings, Patriots, Campbell, Lions

April 28th, 2023 at 3:40pm CST by Sam Robinson

Panthers brass joined other front offices in being wowed by Bryce Young during his 2021 Heisman-winning season, and the team had mostly decided on the Alabama prospect by the time Frank Reich arrived. David Tepper and Panthers scouts had zeroed in on Young — prior to making the trade with the Bears — and Reich learned of the staff’s preference early during his tenure.

“And it was unanimous with every guy in that room, starting from [GM] Scott [Fitterer] on down, that Bryce was the guy. That was great for me to hear,” Reich said of an early-February meeting, via The Athletic’s Joe Person (subscription required). “But what I appreciate about the way Scott handled it, he was like, ‘Frank, you take your time.’ … And it wasn’t much convincing.”

Fitterer said he sought Reich’s final stance late in the process. It would have been interesting had Reich, who was initially mentioned as preferring a taller passer, stood his ground for another prospect. He was believed to also be intrigued by Anthony Richardson. But the veteran HC will be coaching a 5-foot-10 quarterback in Carolina.

Here is the latest from the draft, as we head into Day 2:

  • The Vikings closed the record-breaking run on wide receivers at No. 23, selecting Jordan Addison, the fourth straight receiver taken from Nos. 20-23. But Minnesota received interest in the pick. The Chiefs and Saints contacted the Vikings about moving up to 23, per KTSP’s Darren Wolfson, who adds the belief is at least one of the teams eyeing a trade-up would have taken the USC wide receiver (Twitter link). The Vikings appear to have received an offer, but they instead chose Addison. The Chiefs were mentioned as a team pursuing a move up the board, and the defending Super Bowl champions — after J.J. Smith-Schuster and Mecole Hardman‘s exits — had done a lot of work on this year’s wideout class. The Saints have not re-signed Jarvis Landry and have not seen much of a healthy Michael Thomas since the 2010s. Both teams will probably be on the hunt for receivers tonight.
  • It is not surprising to see Patriots first-round trade-downs, and the team allowing the Steelers to leapfrog the Jets for tackle Broderick Jones likely made the move doubly intriguing for Bill Belichick. But the Pats turned in their draft card quickly at No. 17, selecting cornerback Christian Gonzalez. New England was high enough on the Oregon product it was close to finalizing a trade-up move from No. 14, Jeff Howe of The Athletic tweets. The Commanders had been in on corners, but they chose Mississippi State ballhawk Emmanuel Forbes over Gonzalez at No. 16.
  • While the Patriots have been praised for nabbing a high-end prospect a bit later than he was expected to go, the Lions bucked pre-draft rankings by taking a running back (Jahmyr Gibbs) at No. 12 and an off-ball linebacker (Jack Campbell) at 18. Campbell, in particular, was not viewed as especially likely to be a first-round pick, and GM Brad Holmes admitted he probably could have nabbed the Iowa defender if he had traded down once again. “It’s not about just don’t pick a running back [in Round 1] because that’s not how we really view [Gibbs],” Holmes said, via the Detroit Free Press’ Dave Birkett. “And then it’s the same thing about don’t pick an off-ball linebacker. That’s not really how we view Jack. If you put them in boxes and you put on a sheet of paper and you run mock draft analytics, yeah, you can come up with those stats. But all the hours and research and all the time that we put in, in terms of looking at these players, it becomes very, very visible that what kind of impact they can bring.”

Panthers Select Bryce Young First Overall

April 27th, 2023 at 7:20pm CST by Adam La Rose

As expected, the Panthers have selected quarterback Bryce Young first overall. The Alabama alum was long thought to be the favorite for Carolina, after they pulled off a blockbuster trade to acquire the top spot in the order last month.

Young won the Heisman in 2021 as part of a highly productive two-year stretch as the starter for the Crimson Tide. That span included 8,200 passing yards and 79 touchdown passes, along with only 12 interceptions. Young established himself as a dynamic passer with an ability to produce ‘off-script’ plays, making him one of the most highly-touted prospects at any position in this year’s class.

However, his size (5-10, 204 pounds) represents a cause for concern for evaluators. Young’s frame will lead to questions about his ability to handle the physicality of the pro game, a factor which initially drove many to think Ohio State’s C.J. Stroud would be the Panthers’ preference. As of three weeks ago, however, signs pointed to Young being the favorite to hear his name called first.

It was reported on Tuesday that Carolina’s decision-makers (including GM Scott Fitterer and head coach Frank Reich) had reached a consensus on the pick. Now, their attention can officially turn towards the rest of their draft capital (which includes four other picks in 2023, owing to the package they sent to the Bears to move up from ninth to first in the order). The team is coming off a 7-10 season, and has a number of other spots to fill out on the roster.

Young, meanwhile, will seek to end the Panthers’ post-Cam Newton woes under center. The team cycled through a number of free agent and trade acquisitions, and even a brief reunion with the former No. 1 pick himself, over the past several years. Now, it Young lives up to his potential, he will be in place as the franchise QB for many years to come.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Panthers HC Frank Reich Enamored With Anthony Richardson; Latest On QB’s Draft Stock

April 27th, 2023 at 5:32pm CST by Adam La Rose

The Panthers will begin tonight’s draft by making its first overall selection. It has long been presumed that Bryce Young will be headed to Charlotte, but another signal-caller has frequently been mentioned in their evaluation process.

Anthony Richardson represents the largest wild card in this year’s class, but he is squarely within the group of four passers (along with Young, C.J. Stroud and Will Levis) expected to hear their names called tonight. The Florida product is the most raw of the group, but possess unmatched physical traits and thus has the highest ceiling in the eyes of many evaluators. One of those appears to have been the Panthers’ head coach.

Frank Reich was “leaning towards” Richardson during much of the pre-draft process, reports Tony Pauline of Pro Football Network (Twitter link). The Panthers declined to seek Reich’s opinion until very recently, and the team is now in agreement on who they will be selecting. The fact that Young remains the overwhelming favorite to be chosen means Reich’s views on Richardson may have changed to a degree.

With that said, ESPN’s David Newton notes that Richardson was never given serious thought at the top of the draft board (Twitter link). Young and Stroud are seen as the safest options in the 2023 class, and the team’s ultimate choice will be tasked with starting from Week 1 of his rookie season as the Panthers look to find their first long-term answer under center since Cam Newton. Richardson, on the other hand, could very well find himself behind an established starter to begin his career, depending on where he lands in the draft.

On that point, veteran NFL agent Brett Tessler tweets rather definitively that Richardson will be taken “a lot higher than most people expect.” His range has varied over the past few months, and the run (or, perhaps, lack thereof) on quarterbacks in the top five of the order will no doubt affect Richardson’s stock. A number of teams with uncertain futures at the position beyond 2023 could be interested, though, which should not leave him having to wait long to hear his name called.

Texans Nearly Completed Trade For No. 1 Pick; Team Looking To Move Up From No. 12

April 27th, 2023 at 3:59pm CST by Sam Robinson

As yet another indicator of the Texans’ Bryce Young interest, Fox Sports’ Jay Glazer reports the trade talks between they and the Bears nearly produced a deal in March (Twitter link). Chicago’s previously reported two-trade effort falling through led to Carolina having Young access at No. 1.

Ryan Poles has discussed the Bears’ plan to trade with the Texans and then swap with the Panthers, moving from No. 1 to No. 2 to No. 9. The Texans backed out at the final stage, and Glazer’s report indicates the team was near the goal line on this trade. As it stands, Houston will go into tonight’s first round holding their No. 2 pick. The Texans had held the top slot for weeks, but a Davis Mills-led game-winning drive in Week 18 — one that included a fourth-and-20 Mills-to-Jordan Akins touchdown connection — gave the Bears the pick.

To move from No. 2 to No. 1, Houston was set to send Chicago a trade package that included at least one starting offensive player, Darin Gantt of Panthers.com adds. The Panthers were simultaneously negotiating with the Cardinals for the No. 3 pick, with Gantt adding the team’s proposal for 3 was similar to its offer for 2. It is worth wondering if the offensive player in Houston’s was Brandin Cooks, whom the team traded to Dallas last month.

“Wednesday afternoon, we were there,” Panthers GM Scott Fitterer said regarding a trade from No. 9 to No. 2 with the Bears. “That evening, we kept waiting for, basically for Houston to make a decision. [Owner David Tepper] is calling me because we’re waiting for that to happen. And all day Thursday, nothing. And Thursday night, I call Ryan. He’s like pacing at his house. He goes, ‘I can’t sleep. Now I’m sick to my stomach,’ because ultimately, he’s going to really rack up picks and stuff.

“And then Friday comes, nothing in the morning. I talk to him at noon. He’s frustrated. Talk to him again about 2:30 p.m. He’s frustrated. And it’s kind of like, OK, what’s it take then? Take 2 out. What if we just want to come to 1?”

The Raiders and Colts also discussed the pick with the Bears, but the Panthers including D.J. Moore represented a turning point. As the Panthers shifted their focus from moving to No. 1, Poles prioritized the veteran wideout. The Panthers gave up Moore, a 2024 first-rounder and two seconds to move up eight spots. The other teams involved led the Panthers to include Moore, per Gantt. The Bears also inquired on Brian Burns and Derrick Brown. While the Panthers had previously turned down a first-rounder for Moore, they included him in their revised offer. The team has since signed Adam Thielen and DJ Chark.

“We’re trying to protect ourselves by talking about 3, and it was a pretty good deal to go to Arizona, but then there’s two quarterbacks in between that are possibly going right?” Fitterer said. “And that’s why we said, let’s just go get the 1. Yeah. And let’s control this. … But then the other team comes in, and they’re offering what is actually more than we gave up, pick-wise. So that’s where the D.J. factor came in. That’s what put us over the top. We didn’t have to do as much pick-wise because we knew D.J.’s worth more than a 1.”

Houston’s hesitancy about the trade creates intrigue regarding its plans for tonight. The Texans now appear set to pick an edge rusher — either Alabama’s Will Anderson Jr. or Texas Tech’s Tyree Wilson, who look to be part of a floor-vs.-ceiling debate — over a quarterback. That said, owner Cal McNair is more involved with this year’s first-round pick compared to 2022. As recently as this week, SI.com’s Albert Breer notes the organization was “pretty torn” on going quarterback or edge rusher at No. 2. While the latter route may have prevailed, the Texans will still need to find a path to landing a bona fide starter option.

On that front, Caserio has explored moving up from No. 12 overall as a way to land a passer, Breer notes. The team has looked into trading back into the top 10 for a QB, ProFootballNetwork.com’s Tony Pauline adds. The Texans have a second-round pick and two thirds in this year’s draft; they have two firsts in 2024.

The Titans have been steadily tied to negotiating with the Cardinals, who are weighing offers from multiple teams. With the Colts set to pick at No. 4, it is possible C.J. Stroud and Will Levis — frequently connected to Indianapolis — will be off the board in the first four picks. That would leave the Texans with the options of Anthony Richardson, whom they did not host on a pre-draft visit, and Hendon Hooker. The Texans are believed to be intrigued by the ex-Tennessee Volunteer, but he is coming off an ACL tear and already 25. Hooker climbing into the top 10 would make for quite the pre-draft rise, and it is also possible Houston could nab the rehabbing QB by trading down.

Minor NFL Transactions: 4/25/23

April 25th, 2023 at 8:33pm CST by Ben Levine

Today’s minor transactions:

Carolina Panthers

Kansas City Chiefs

Both Franklin and Townsend signed their restricted free agent tenders.

Townsend has been the Chiefs’ starting punter since joining the organization as an UDFA out of Florida in 2020. He finished this past season with a career-high 50.4 yards per punt and 22 punts landed inside the 20 en route to a Pro Bowl and first-team All-Pro nod.

Franklin, a 2020 undrafted free agent out of Temple, has seen time in 47 games for the Panthers over the past three seasons, with the majority of his snaps coming on special teams. He finished this past season with 20 tackles in 17 games (one start).

Panthers Reach Consensus On No. 1 Pick

April 25th, 2023 at 2:20pm CST by Sam Robinson

Holding the No. 1 overall pick for the first time in 12 years, the Panthers have a name they are prepared to place on their draft card Thursday night. Frank Reich said GM Scott Fitterer sought his opinion on the pick Monday.

While Reich undoubtedly provided input throughout this thorough process, Fitterer said last week he had not asked the new head coach who his preferred pick was. The Panthers have reached a consensus, via NFL.com’s Cameron Wolfe (on Twitter). The long-held expectation is Bryce Young will go first overall, and while the Panthers could end the suspense now, the NFL’s annual preference of building drama will likely prevent any team announcement until Thursday night.

Although C.J. Stroud was believed to be a consideration when the Panthers made their eight-spot trade-up with the Bears, Young has always been in the conversation. The 2021 Heisman winner’s 5-foot-10 frame has generated some concern, and Young himself acknowledged the concern is valid. But Carolina is all but certain to tab the Alabama product as its next franchise-QB hopeful. With the Texans believing to have placed a value gap between Young and this draft’s other QBs, Stroud’s landing spot is foggy as the players prepare to hear their names called in Kansas City.

Cam Newton gave the Panthers franchise-QB certainty for about seven seasons, ascending to the MVP tier and becoming the top passer in team history. But after Newton missed time in 2018, a 2019 foot injury brought his Charlotte run to a close. The Panthers have pivoted to stopgaps in each of the past three seasons, using free agency (Teddy Bridgewater) and the trade routes (Sam Darnold, Baker Mayfield) as an effort to fill this gaping hole. The team’s two-offseason push for Deshaun Watson also did not produce a positive outcome.

These failed efforts led the Panthers to giving up their 2024 first-rounder, D.J. Moore and other assets to move up this year. That will certainly intensify the pressure on Reich and Co. to turn Young into an upper-echelon option at the game’s premier position. Frame concerns aside, Young is viewed as the safest option in this draft. It would be shocking if the Panthers went in another direction Thursday.

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