Bryce Young's Progress: Flashes of Potential Amidst Panthers' Rebuilding Efforts

Bryce Young, the No. 1 overall pick acquired by the Carolina Panthers using assets from the Christian McCaffrey trade, remains a work in progress. Despite a 6-4 record as a starter in 2025, he ranks 23rd in Total QBR (45.4) and 29th in passing yards per game (196.2). However, Young has shown glimpses of the potential that made him a top prospect, notably throwing for a franchise-record 448 yards and three touchdowns in a recent overtime victory against the Atlanta Falcons. The Panthers acquired him by trading their 2024 first-round pick to the Chicago Bears, a move that has drawn scrutiny given the depth of the 2023 and 2024 quarterback classes. The team's decision to trade McCaffrey in 2022, with the aim of acquiring draft picks for a quarterback, has not yet yielded the desired sustained success, as the Panthers still haven't achieved a winning season or playoff berth since 2017.