On Tuesday, Panthers owner David Tepper spoke to reporters for the first time since firing coach Frank Reich, and he reiterated his belief in quarterback Bryce Young. Carolina gave up a haul of assets to trade for the No. 1 pick in the 2023 NFL draft to select Young but his rookie season has disappointed.
“We preferred Bryce, he was our No. 1 pick, we had a lot of conviction,” Tepper said, per Jori Epstein of Yahoo Sports. “As far as Bryce Young is concerned . . . we are totally confident in that pick.”
Questions around the Panthers regretting taking Young with the top pick have swirled ever since C.J. Stroud has proven to be one of the best young players in the NFL. He was taken with the No. 2 pick by the Texans and has thrown for 3,266 yards and 19 touchdowns to just five interceptions through 11 games. Young, meanwhile, is sitting at 1,877 passing yards, nine touchdowns and eight picks on the year.
#Panthers owner David Tepper confirms they were supposed to trade to No. 2 and take CJ Stroud because they believed Houston would've taken Bryce Young at No. 1.
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) November 28, 2023
Tepper says everyone in the building wanted Young.
"We are totally confident in that pick."pic.twitter.com/csmpxlkbig
Carolina is currently at the bottom of the NFL with a 1–10 record and since Tepper bought the team in 2018, he has fired three coaches.
