Bryce Young

Four Teams Inquired On Panthers QB Bryce Young

September 29th, 2024 at 12:48pm CST by Rory Parks

We heard last week that the Panthers were receiving trade inquiries on second-year quarterback Bryce Young in the wake of the club’s decision to bench Young in favor of veteran Andy Dalton. Fox Sports’ Jay Glazer added more context to the situation, reporting that four teams reached out to gauge Carolina’s interest in dealing Young (video link).

Glazer says that the Panthers emphatically told those clubs that they were not moving last year’s No. 1 overall pick, and that they still see a future for Young in Charlotte. Naturally, the team does not want to undermine its already limited leverage in potential trade negotiations by publicly expressing any uncertainty about Young’s long-term viability, but it is at least notable that they are taking this stance for the time being.

Multiple outlets have suggested that the Panthers intend to turn back to Young at some point this season, and Glazer reiterates that the club does believe that allowing Young to reset and to learn from Dalton will aid in his development. That said, Glazer stopped short of confirming that Young would play again in 2024, noting that would be dependent on how Young performs in practice.

Of course, Young’s immediate future will also be impacted at least to some degree by Dalton’s performance. The longtime Bengal and recent journeyman thrived in his first start in 2024, piloting Carolina to a blowout win over the Raiders in Week 3 while completing over 70% of his passes for 319 yards and three scores. Obviously, the soon-to-be 37-year old is a bridge option at this point, but if he keeps the Panthers in playoff contention, it would be surprising to see the team reinsert Young in 2024.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter recently pegged the upcoming offseason as the most likely time for a trade to be consummated, and Dianna Russini of The Athletic reported that the Panthers-Young relationship is indeed expected to come to an end in 2025. Trade rumors are nonetheless likely to continue swirling until the November 5 deadline, and at some point in the near future, the Panthers will be put to a potentially franchise-altering decision regarding the player they staked so much on just one year ago.

For his part, Young is said to be open to a trade sending him out of Carolina, though he is also amenable to remaining with the Panthers.

Panthers Receiving Trade Inquiries On Bryce Young; QB Expected To Start Again In 2024

September 22nd, 2024 at 9:00pm CST by Sam Robinson

Bryce Young‘s status continues to be a lead early-season storyline, and conflicting reports about the second-year passer’s future have emerged. For now, Young will sit behind Andy Dalton. The organization’s plan beyond that remains unclear.

With the team so quickly veering from its Young path, trade inquiries are coming in. Several teams have reached out to the Panthers about Young’s availability, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Beyond those clubs, others have debated an overture internally. The offseason looms as the most likely trade window, Schefter adds.

Dave Canales said this week the team was not interested in moving Young right now, and while the rookie HC had said following the Chargers’ blowout win the 2023 No. 1 overall pick would remain the starter, Dalton received word hours later he would take over. Panthers players had grown frustrated with Young, who is not coming especially close to developing — albeit in suboptimal circumstances — in the way the franchise had hoped when it traded a bounty to the Bears for the draft slot last year. And debate around the league about the Panthers’ long-term direction with Young is coming out.

When the Panthers benched Young, word out of Charlotte depicted the change as a permanent benching instead of a move to merely reset the former Heisman winner’s confidence. However, NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport indicates the Panthers indeed aim to turn back to Young at some point this season.

The Jets took this route with Zach Wilson in 2022, allowing the embattled QB to climb back up the depth chart — with an assist from a Mike White injury — after veterans were wildly disappointed in the player’s showing. While Schefter adds the door is indeed open to Young returning this season, The Athletic’s Dianna Russini is bearish about the Alabama alum’s long-term Carolina outlook (subscription required).

Young had been reassured the Panthers were in this for the long haul, only to see the team scrap a plan it formed in 2023 and then doubled down via several acquisitions this offseason. Young was believed to be “pissed” at the Panthers’ about-face, and although the team is not planning to trade the 5-foot-10 passer now, Russini reports this relationship is fully expected to end in 2025.

A veteran Panther informed Russini that Young kept making the same mistakes. Despite the Panthers signing guards Robert Hunt and Damien Lewis and then trading for Diontae Johnson to improve on a poor offensive setup, Young sits last in QBR by a wide margin through two games. The second of which produced a paltry 84 passing yards on 26 attempts. Young is averaging a nonfunctional 4.4 yards per attempt this season, and Russini adds that despite any damage control coming out of Charlotte, he is done as the hopeful long-term Panthers QB1.

Young’s scout-team performance this week offered the Panthers some renewed hope for a rebound, per Rapoport, who adds the team had viewed its previous starter as “overwhelmed.” Though, even if the Panthers may well be planning to give Young another shot later this season, CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones offers this relationship is “forever altered.”

Jones affirms the Panthers “blindsided” Young with news of the benching but echoes Rapoport’s reporting that the diminutive QB will have another chance to start this season. Neither Russini nor Jones dispute David Tepper being involved in the benching, though the latter pushes back that the oft-criticized owner was not the sole driver behind the move. Most around the league, however, believe Tepper was involved in this benching, Russini offers.

Tepper is believed to have been the driving force behind the Young draft choice last year. Both GM Scott Fitterer and HC Frank Reich announced they shared the view, with separate research efforts producing a consensus between the since-fired HC-GM combo. Though, rumblings out of Charlotte had tied Reich to C.J. Stroud — even after the quickly fired coach had denied strong consideration was given to the Ohio State product. That is well in the past, and the Panthers are now nearing a cliff with the player they chose.

Two years remain on Young’s rookie contract, and roster bonuses of $3.17MM and $4.78MM are respectively due in 2025 and 2026. The Cowboys took on Trey Lance‘s fully guaranteed rookie contract, while the Broncos and Jets agreed to split Wilson’s 2024 money. The Panthers will have an impossible task finding value near what they gave up if they were to unload Young, with Jones reporting a Day 3 pick would be most likely the highest return the team could expect.

Carolina gave up D.J. Moore, its 2024 first-round pick (No. 1 overall) and 2023 and ’25 second-rounders to climb from No. 9 to No. 1. The Texans had backed out of a three-team trade that would have sent them the top pick and the Panthers No. 2 overall, and after Carolina had also discussed No. 3 with Arizona, the NFC South club then dealt directly with Chicago to obtain No. 1. With Young 2-16 as a starter, that move has deteriorated into one of the worst NFL decisions in a rather bad period for QB missteps.

Dalton is tied to a two-year, $10MM contract, and he appears set for a long runway as the Panthers’ emergency fix. Whether the Panthers’ 2024 plan involves another Young look or not, trade rumors — after many QBs drafted in 2021 and ’22 have been moved — are unlikely to cool down before this year’s deadline. Assuming the Panthers stick to their guns and retain Young throughout this season, trade rumblings are almost definitely to follow — perhaps ahead of a deal that gives Young a true fresh start — in 2025.

Bryce Young Open To Panthers Trade?

September 20th, 2024 at 10:12pm CST by Adam La Rose

Week 3 will mark the first time in Bryce Young‘s career that he sits for a reason other than injury. The Panthers are relying on Andy Dalton under center for the time being, a move which has led to questions about Young’s future with the team.

The 2023 first overall pick is in place as the Panthers’ backup, and no consideration is currently being given to a trade. Carolina’s return in any Young swap would of course fall well short of the price which was paid to acquire the No. 1 selection last spring, giving the organization incentive to keep him in the fold for now. If a trade were to be worked out, though, Young would appear to be on board.

ESPN’s David Newton reports the 23-year-old is “open to anything” regarding his future, whether that consists of a continued stay in Charlotte or a deal sending him to a new team. Young’s value is low as things stand based on his underwhelming production to date (59.3% completion percentage, 11:13 touchdown-to interception ratio, 5.4 yards per attempt average, 70.9 passer rating), but he is attached to a rookie contract through 2026. For his part, the former Heisman winner has publicly stated a commitment to remaining in Carolina.

“I’m a day-by-day kind of person,” Young said (via Newton). “I’ve talked about that consistently. Big picture stuff, that’s out of my hands. That’s organizational stuff, for the people upstairs. I’m super grateful to be part of the team, with our organization. I want to help in every way I can.”

The Panthers were shut out during the final two games of 2023, and they have scored just 13 points through two weeks this season. Dalton and rookie head coach Dave Canales will be tasked with delivering an improved showing on offense with a unit which saw additions made up front and at the skill positions this offseason. Dalton – who made one start last year when Young was injured – is a pending free agent, and his value will be affected by his performances in the QB1 gig.

How the Panthers proceed with Young will remain a talking point during the 2024 campaign, one which was projected to be founded on Canales’ work in developing him. A trade would be surprising given the lack of a market which presumably exists for him, but Young himself could benefit from (and perhaps even welcome) a change of scenery.

Panthers Not Expected To Explore Bryce Young Trade

September 18th, 2024 at 10:17pm CST by Sam Robinson

10:17pm: Canales has since said (via NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport) a Young trade is “not something we’re really considering.” The rookie HC said he still believes Young can be a franchise quarterback but noted it is all hands on deck for this week.

12:57pm: The Panthers have gone through with a historically quick benching involving a No. 1 overall pick. With Dave Canales indicating this is not a mere reset effort involving Bryce Young, the 2023 top draftee’s status is in limbo after only 18 starts.

As Andy Dalton prepares to take the reins of an NFC South team’s offense early in a season for the second time in three years, the Panthers are coming to grips with the fact they traded a monster asset package — headlined by D.J. Moore and the 2024 No. 1 overall pick — for a player who is already drifting away from their big-picture plan.

Young is not taking this especially well, as could be expected. The 2021 Heisman winner is “pissed” about the Panthers’ decision, ESPN.com’s Jeremy Fowler notes. Appeasing veterans — and potentially ownership and the front office — became a key factor here, as the team’s wide receivers were showing considerable frustration early. Young’s long-term development is on hold — potentially for good. This could soon start one of the more shocking QB searches in recent memory, considering the Panthers’ carousel and what they gave up to obtain the Young draft slot.

While Young has performed poorly — for the most part — since Carolina deployed him as its Week 1 starter last season, he was first asked to lead a poorly constructed offense with some conflicting voices in his ear before having to learn Canales’ system this offseason. Considering the dysfunction surrounding the Panthers during David Tepper‘s ownership tenure, many have voiced support for Young despite his shaky on-field work.

It is not known if Young will start again for the Panthers, but Fowler adds the team is not expected to explore an early trade. This would station Young as the backup, barring a Dalton injury, for the season’s remainder. Given the quick hooks involving many passers from the 2021 and 2022 draft classes, Young being elsewhere in 2025 would not be a complete shock. Though, NFL history does not provide many examples of a No. 1 overall pick ditched so soon.

All but one quarterback chosen first overall in the common draft era (1967-present) has remained with his original team at least four seasons. Even the lone exception here — Raiders mega-bust JaMarcus Russell — was given three years before being released in 2010. Among this lot, Jeff George (traded in 1994) and Baker Mayfield are the only other QBs to last fewer than five years with their first NFL franchises. Young being ditched after Year 3 would mark another blow to a Panthers franchise that has sustained many under Tepper’s leadership.

The Panthers still view Young as having the skillset to enjoy a productive NFL career, Fowler adds, making this benching strange due to this season being framed as the 5-foot-10 passer’s bounce-back year. Carolina’s offseason investments came about due to organizational interest in bettering Young’s situation. Despite the Panthers signing Robert Hunt and Damien Lewis to big-ticket contracts and trading for Diontae Johnson, Young has not shown improvement. He ranks last in QBR by a wide margin.

The fallout from this benching could certainly determine Young’s Carolina future, and the Panthers determining they need to start over yet again would cast doubt about the team having the organizational infrastructure necessary to solve this long-running issue. For now, Young remains in the Panthers’ plans.

While it would break with NFL precedent for the Panthers to bail on Young as quickly as the Steelers, Falcons and Titans separated from their 2022 draftees (Kenny Pickett, Desmond Ridder, Malik Willis), those moves certainly show an early divorce is possible. Carolina, of course, would recoup nowhere near the value it gave up to acquire Young if a trade did ultimately come to pass.

QB Bryce Young Did Not Anticipate Panthers Benching

September 17th, 2024 at 10:15pm CST by Adam La Rose

Year 2 of Bryce Young‘s NFL career took an unwanted turn yesterday with the Panthers electing to bench him in favor of Andy Dalton. Last year’s No. 1 pick now faces an unknown timeline to return to the field.

Young was caught off guard by head coach Dave Canales‘ decision to insert Dalton into the lineup, ESPN’s David Newton reports. The 23-year-old started all but one game (due to injury) during his rookie campaign, one in which he and Carolina’s offense struggled immensely. A step forward with Canales in the fold, along with new investments up front and at the skill positions, was expected for 2024.

Instead, Young’s showings during the first two games of the season – blowout losses to the Saints and Chargers – remained underwhelming. He has totaled 245 scoreless passing yards to date this season while throwing three interceptions. In spite of those figures, Newton’s colleague Jeremy Fowler notes there was “some surprise” in the Panthers’ organization based on how early the QB change was made. Dalton will aim to provide the team with more stability under center amidst questions on the decision to bench Young for an unspecified period.

“I owe it to all the guys — the coaches, the staff, the players, everybody involved — to be really critical about what we put on film, about what I’m seeing and to make sure I’m constantly making the best decision for the team every week,” Canales said when addressing the decision, via Joe Person of The Athletic (subscription required). It happens to be the quarterback position, so it’s loaded that way.

“But it’s every position. It’s all the guys. I was able to stand in front of the team and challenge all the guys that we all have to step up our passion for what we’re doing to play with the play style that we’re looking for.”

Canales endorsed Young as the Panthers’ starter in the immediate aftermath of Sunday’s loss, but he consulted with other members of the coaching and front office staff upon watching the film from that contest. As Person notes, Canales did not specify how large of a role owner David Tepper (who has a reputation for meddling) played in the decision to bench Young, adding it was ultimately his call to make. Canales is in his first year as a head coach, and his hiring was based in large part on his success in working with Geno Smith in Seattle and Baker Mayfield in Tampa Bay. The development process for Young will include time on the sidelines moving forward.

Person adds Canales never discussed Young’s benching as a temporary move aimed at giving him a temporary reset. Dalton could be in place atop the depth chart for a notable stretch as a result. The 36-year-old made just one start last year when filling in for an injure Young, but he is a veteran of 170 games. Dalton is also a pending free agent, so a strong showing (relative to the potential in Carolina’s offense) could help his market value. A step forward on offense would no doubt be welcomed by all parties in the Panthers’ organization, even with Young’s future now even more of a question mark than it was following the 2023 campaign.

For now, at least, more competition at the quarterback spot will not be forthcoming. Canales said (via Newton) the team will not be making an addition under center, meaning Young will handle backup duties beginning in Week 3. When he next sees the field – and how the organization proceeds with him on a long-term scale – will be storylines worth following closely.

Panthers To Start Andy Dalton In Week 3

September 16th, 2024 at 10:30pm CST by Adam La Rose

In the wake of another poor showing by Bryce Young, Panthers head coach Dave Canales offered a public vote of confidence in the 2023 first overall pick. A very quick reversal has been made regarding the team’s quarterback depth chart, however.

Carolina will in fact go with Andy Dalton in Week 3, Tom Pelissero reports. The veteran made one start last season while Young was injured, and he will now take charge of an offense desperately in need of improvement. Dating back to end of the 2023 campaign, the Panthers have scored just 13 points in their past four games. This decision was driven by Canales along with general manager Dan Morgan and EVP Brandt Tillis, ESPN’s Adam Schefter adds.

Young himself is not solely responsible for the team’s underwhelming production, obviously, but the 23-year-old struggled throughout his rookie campaign and has not shown signs of improvement early in the 2024 season. Young’s 8.9 QBR ranks dead last in the NFL through two weeks. Dalton should offer a degree of stability over at least the short term while Canales aims to develop Carolina’s offense.

Of course, the former Buccaneers OC was hired as head coach in large part for his potential in helping Young rebound from his rookie campaign. The Alabama product will now spend time on the sidelines as part of that process while Dalton, 36, receives a second look during his Carolina tenure. The longtime Bengals starter became a journeyman backup starting in 2020 when he joined the Cowboys.

That one-year stint was followed by one in Chicago of the same length. With the Bears turning to Justin Fields as their starter midway through the 2021 season, it came as no surprise Dalton once again found himself on the move in short order. The TCU product next joined the Saints, and he started all 14 of his appearances in 2022. Dalton completed two thirds of his pass attempts that season while posting a touchdown-to-interception ratio of 18:9.

The Saints added Derek Carr last offseason, but Dalton remained in the NFC South by taking a two-year deal including $8MM guaranteed. That investment came with the knowledge Carolina would be taking a signal-caller in the draft, something which was cemented by the team’s blockbuster trade to acquire the No. 1 pick. Young has – to put it lightly – not justified the price paid by then-general manager Scott Fitterer so far in his career. Today’s move marks a notable turning point in his brief NFL tenure, but the team will no doubt re-insert him into the lineup at some point and in doing so give him another opportunity to make progress.

Dalton’s 164th career start will come against the Raiders, and his ability to lead the offense to a better showing will be worth watching. Should he remain atop the depth chart for at least one more week, he would be in line for a matchup against the Bengals.

Panthers Not Considering QB Change

September 16th, 2024 at 9:00am CST by Adam La Rose

Week 2 produced another loss featuring a dismal offensive performance by the Panthers. When asked about a potential quarterback change, however, head coach Dave Canales gave a public vote of confidence in starter Bryce Young.

“Bryce is our quarterback,’ Canales said (via ESPN’s David Newton). “We’re going to continue to shore up and fix the things we need to fundamentally, from a scheme standpoint, all those things.”

Young started all but one game during his rookie season, one in which Frank Reich was fired midway through his first year as head coach. The target of Carolina’s blockbuster move up the draft order for the No. 1 pick struggled across the board, throwing nearly as many interceptions (10) as touchdowns (11) and taking 62 sacks. The Panthers finished 2-15, but the terms of the Young trade left them without their Day 1 selection in 2024.

Aiming to take needed steps forward on offense, the Panthers dismissed general manager Scott Fitterer and hired Canales as a coach capable of overseeing Young’s development. The 43-year-old impressed during a lengthy tenure in Seattle, and his work with Geno Smith landed him the Buccaneers’ offensive coordinator gig last year. Canales helped Baker Mayfield enjoy the best statistical season of his career in a number of respects and put himself on the head coaching radar as a result.

Carolina made a pair of big-money additions along the offensive line during free agency (guards Robert Hunt and Damien Lewis) while also bringing in a number of new faces at the skill positions. An emphasis was placed on the run game to help ease the burden on Young, but the Panthers currently rank just 29th in production on the ground so far. A step forward in passing efficiency would help compensate for that, but Young’s performances in the NFL to date have offered few signs that will be taking place soon.

The Alabama product has mustered 245 scoreless passing yards with a 55.4% completion percentage through two games, throwing three interceptions during that span. While Young has scored a rushing touchdown, his showings individually and those of the Panthers as a whole have left plenty to be desired. The team has scored only 13 points across the past four games dating back to the end of the 2023 campaign.

Andy Dalton resides as Carolina’s backup signal-caller. The 36-year-old racked up 361 yards and a pair of touchdowns during his lone start last season, and with 170 games of experience he would likely offer considerably more stability under center than Young as things currently stand. Calls for major changes on offense will no doubt continue if Young still struggles, but for at least the short term Canales is set to maintain the status quo at the QB spot.

Panthers Claim Three Cornerbacks, Add DB Lonnie Johnson

August 28th, 2024 at 11:20am CST by Sam Robinson

The Bryce Young trade prevented the Panthers from using their 2-15 record to land an impact prospect atop the draft. Carolina’s consolation prize comes months later, and the rebuilding team will use its top waiver position.

Cornerbacks are coming to Charlotte in droves. The Panthers have already used three claims on corners, bringing in Tariq Castro-Fields, Keenan Isaac and Shemar Bartholomew, according to NFL.com’s Tom Pelissero and ESPN.com’s Jeremy Fowler. The Commanders, Buccaneers and Jets respectively released the CBs, who will join a Panthers team in need.

Carolina also claimed linebackers Jon Rhattigan and Jamie Sheriff from the Seahawks, per Pelissero and veteran reporter Jordan Schultz. The Panthers will soon follow with cuts, as this marks a multi-position makeover for the NFC South club. In addition to the CB waiver claims, Pelissero reports Lonnie Johnson — whom the Texans released Tuesday — is signing with the Panthers’ practice squad, Pelissero adds. Carolina is expected to elevate the veteran DB by Week 1.

Initially a 49ers sixth-round pick, Castro-Fields played eight games with Washington last season. A 2023 UDFA, Isaac saw action in two Bucs games last year. Bartholomew was part of the Jets’ UDFA contingent this year. Johnson went to camp with Houston, which originally drafted him in Round 2. He played in 12 Saints games last season, working primarily on special teams.

This lot of inexperienced players, along with Johnson, will join a Panthers team that traded Donte Jackson and placed Dane Jackson on IR due to a hamstring injury. Carolina kept six cornerbacks on its active roster, including veteran slot man Troy Hill and recent trade pickup Michael Jackson, so some shuffling will soon occur.

As the team begins clearing roster space, the Charlotte Observer’s Mike Kaye notes rookie UDFA wideout Jalen Coker received word he will be waived. The Panthers also claimed former 49ers guard Jarrett Kingston. The Panthers also cut wide receiver Ihmir Smith-Marsette, guard Cade Mays, cornerback D’Shawn Jamison, defensive tackle Jayden Peevy and Demani Richardson. Mays started seven games at guard over the past two seasons.

Latest On Panthers’ Wide Receiving Corps

July 5th, 2024 at 10:04pm CST by Ely Allen

Veteran wide receiver Adam Thielen had an excellent 2024 campaign, reminiscent of some of his best seasons with the Vikings. Besides the 33-year-old’s standout effort, rookie quarterback Bryce Young didn’t get much help throughout a rocky first season. As a result, the Panthers made two big moves to augment the receiving corps this offseason, requiring recent high draft picks to show up soon or, perhaps, get pushed out.

After Thielen’s 103-reception, 1,014-yard, four-score effort, the next-best receiving performances were from free agent addition DJ Chark (35 receptions-525 yards-5 touchdowns) and second-round rookie Jonathan Mingo (43-418-0). Rounding out the room, former second-round pick Terrace Marshall (19-139-0), former Jaguars second-round pick Laviska Shenault (10-60-0), Ihmir Smith-Marsette (8-51-0), and Mike Strachan (1-45-0) each provided minimal contributions in Young’s rookie year.

Besides Shenault, that entire group returns in 2024. Thielen will obviously remain a starter, though he may be challenged by trade acquisition Diontae Johnson for the WR1-role. Johnson averaged about 872 yards and five touchdowns per year over five seasons in Pittsburgh. Putting forth an average season would already provide a significant upgrade to the room.

Joining Johnson as a newcomer to the group is first-round draft pick Xavier Legette. An explosive but inexperienced weapon out of South Carolina, Legette brings an air of mystery to the Panthers. Legette spent four years with the Gamecocks before finally becoming a main contributor as a redshirt senior, totaling more in 2023 (71-1,255-7) than he did in the four prior years combined (42-423-5).

Barely making it into the first round as the 32nd overall selection in this year’s draft, Legette will be competing with the team’s two former second-round picks in his rookie season for the WR3 job. While Marshall has had trouble staying on the field since getting drafted out of LSU, missing at least three games in each year including eight last year, his second season stats (28-490-1) resembled Mingo’s rookie numbers, but he was mostly a non-factor during his other two seasons. Mingo could certainly take step forward in Year 2, but he’ll now be forced to outperform Legette in training camp to remain a starter.

One under the radar addition that could prove effective is UFL star Daewood Davis. A former undrafted free agent for the Dolphins out of Western Kentucky, Davis caught 41 passes for 446 yards and five touchdowns in 10 games with the Memphis Showboats. If he uses that pro experience to enhance his offseason performance in 2024, Davis could make a strong play for a roster spot and, perhaps, even a role in the receiver-rotation.

Regardless, Carolina’s 2024 receiving corps looks to be much improved from the group fielded by the Panthers in 2023. Thielen and Johnson figure to form a strong, experienced duo atop the depth chart. Past those two, Carolina just needs one of Legette, Mingo, Marshall, Davis, or another to step up and provide a strong WR3 for Young.

Latest On Panthers’ Organizational Dysfunction

December 8th, 2023 at 10:09pm CST by Ely Allen

The firing of former Panthers head coach Frank Reich was not a spur of the moment decision. Team owner David Tepper had been forming the basis for this decision for weeks before finally pulling the trigger. Joseph Person and Dianna Russini spoke with several players and staff within the organization, some under the guise of anonymity, about the state of the organization and revealed a number of headline-worthy comments.

First off was the confirmation of rumors that the team’s poor offensive performance contributed heavily to Reich’s exit. In addition to serving as head coach, Reich also called offensive plays for Carolina. He ceded play-calling duties to first year offensive coordinator Thomas Brown for three games before retaking the responsibility, but nothing seemed to help their struggling rookie quarterback, Bryce Young, and Reich’s decision to take back that role reportedly caused some division within the staff.

In 11 starts so far this year, Young is averaging fewer than 200 passing yards per game. and has thrown only nine touchdowns to nine interceptions. The offense has struggled as a whole, ranking 29th in points scored and 30th in yards gained. Their struggles have been fairly balanced with the team ranking 30th in passing yards and 26th in rushing.

One take, per Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated, is that the Panthers’ attack was simply too complicated for the rookie passer. Reich brought in assistant coaches from many backgrounds. When he was let go, quarterbacks coach Josh McCown and running backs coach Duce Staley were also let go, due to their heavy influence on the offense. Between Reich’s plan from his Philadelphia days, Brown’s scheme from Los Angeles, and the input from McCown and Staley, there were simply too many cooks in the kitchen. The plan post-Reich has been to streamline the offense in order to make it a bit more digestible for Young.

Additionally, there seemed to be a disconnect within the coaching staff. As we recently reported, there were seemingly attempts within the coaching staff to get Young benched in favor of a veteran like backup quarterback Andy Dalton. Such attempts reportedly never reached Reich or general manager Scott Fitterer. This may have been a result of several Panthers staffers communicating directly with Tepper behind Reich’s back. With the writing on the wall for Reich, several assistants reportedly went into self-preservation mode in an attempt to not go down with the captain of the ship.

Tepper really attempted to be hands-on this season. After firing Matt Rhule, Tepper sold a thorough coaching search (despite some rumors pointing to a foregone conclusion when Carolina hired Reich’s daughter hours after the 2022 season ended). After “eventually” landing on Reich, Tepper reportedly implored his new head coach to hire assistants outside of his normal coaching circle, suggesting that Reich retain special teams coordinator Chris Tabor and offensive line coach James Campen. Tepper even instructed Reich to fix Young’s footwork, though this may have been prompted by another coach or even Fitterer.

With Reich in the past, there have been several names rumored to be in contention to replace him. Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson is a popular pick after he was heavily considered in the offseason before withdrawing his name from consideration to stay in Detroit. But Carolina isn’t necessarily selling out for Johnson. According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, sources have the Panthers on the lookout for a “young offensive coach” to replace Reich.

Johnson does fit that mold at the age of 37, but Eagles 36-year-old offensive coordinator Brian Johnson will be popular this offseason, as well. Texans offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik, at 36 years old, has already shown what he can do with the development of a rookie quarterback after working with both Brock Purdy in 2022 and C.J. Stroud this year, though he remains close to DeMeco Ryans, who brought him over from San Francisco. Lastly, Dolphins offensive coordinator Frank Smith is a bit older at 42 years old but is still a rising name in the NFL after Miami’s offensive development in the past two years.

While they might not love what’s been put on the field thus far, the Panthers also still have Brown on the offensive staff after he was considered a head coaching candidate in the offseason. Brown was also considered an up-and-coming offensive mind coming out of Los Angeles last year. Regardless, Tepper will need to really do his homework this time around if he wants to author a strong reply to this year’s dismal performance.

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