The Carolina Panthers have given a huge indication that they might be preparing to start Bryce Young this season.
The Panthers were strongly rumoured to be selecting Ohio State's CJ Stroud, before pivoting and eventually taking Young with the No.1 overall pick in the recent NFL Draft.
And while Young has impressed in rookie training camp, the Panthers suggested that he would not necessarily be the starter after they had signed veteran Andy Dalton to a rather substantial two-year, $11 million contract.
Dalton had a solid season in 2022, as he beat out Jameis Winston to start with the New Orleans Saints and impressed, throwing 19 touchdowns and completing 67% of his passes in 14 games.
But although Panthers head coach Frank Reich stated that Dalton would be considered the starter at this point of the season, Young has now started taking first-team reps at mandatory minicamp this week.
For the first time on Thursday, Young was with the first-team offense in front of Dalton. And even though Dalton had been taking the first-team plays, Young has grown into the offense and quickly started taking more and more plays with the first-choice offense line and wide receivers.
Reich clarified the plan had always been to ease Young him in, not wanting to give too much away after a noticeable decision. Speaking after practice, Reich said: "At the beginning of the offseason, this was kinda the time we marked to move him up. It’s just the next step.
"There’s really nothing to say other than ‘hey, we just wanted to move him up this week.’ Felt like it’s been the right time. He had a couple of weeks to watch Andy. That was really good stuff.”
The moves comes after multiple reports of Young impressing throughout the sessions held in the last few weeks. According to ESPN, Young has shown composure and decision-making abilities beyond his years.
That's something that had been Young's calling card in his years with Alabama, having an incredible feel for the position and command of the offense. While not being the tallest, quickest or strongest, Young had shown his composure throughout his time with 'Bama - leading him to be drafted ahead of CJ Stroud, Anthony Richardson and Will Levis.
The 21-year-old was said to have made a number of tight window throws in practice, while displaying impressive leadership skills. As well as Young, second overall draft pick Stroud is also said to be impressing with the Houston Texans.
Veteran Jimmie Ward has been impressed with Stroud, as he said: "He is a ballplayer, I'll tell you that. He made some great throws. He's able to come and make these throws so confident, and it's just crazy.
"It's amazing to me to see it, a guy so young to come and get some reps versus the [defensive starters] and make great throws. He has a lot of power in his arm."
