The Carolina Panthers played coy leading up to the 2023 NFL Draft. They didn’t reveal what their plans were after acquiring the No. 1 pick from the Chicago Bears, going as far as to say they would even consider trading the pick again. No one expected that to happen and despite some late rumors leading up to the draft, who they were targeting became clear.
Bryce Young was the heavy favorite to be the first pick and Carolina made that come to fruition. The Alabama product was selected first overall, providing the Panthers with the franchise quarterback they have been seeking for years.
There is some optimism surrounding the franchise now, as they went 7-10 last season despite no consistent quarterback play. If Young can perform up to the level he is capable of, the Panthers will be challenging for the playoffs in no time.
However, it will be a little while before we see Young in the starting lineup. According to Panthers general manager Scott Fitterer via Dov Kleiman on Twitter, veteran Andy Dalton is their starter right now heading into the season.
Fitterer added that Young will replace Dalton when he is ready to do so. When that time will be is anyone’s guess as there is currently no timetable for that to occur.
While this is certainly some shocking news to hear for some people, Young will likely be given the chance to compete for the starting job throughout the offseason. Dalton is the starter, for now, but Fitterer said himself that could change at any time once Young shows he is ready to take over the job.
That could mean during training camp Young shines and the Panthers are comfortable making him the starter. Or he plays well during the preseason and a change is made after the team gets on the field for live reps.
The biggest takeaway from this is that Young isn’t going to be handed the starting job. He will have to earn it with his performance and outperform Dalton, who has shown capable of handling a starting job throughout his career with the Cincinnati Bengals, Dallas Cowboys and New Orleans Saints.
