Will Bryce Young boom or bust in 2025?

In 2023, the Carolina Panthers made a bold move by trading up to select Bryce Young with the first overall pick in the NFL Draft. Expectations were sky-high for the former Heisman Trophy winner, but his rookie season fell drastically short. The Panthers finished with a league-worst    2–15 record, and Young’s performance drew sharp criticism, with comparisons to past draft busts like JaMarcus Russell.

Questions about his size, pocket presence, and decision-making surfaced quickly. Adding to the pressure was the immediate success of C.J. Stroud, taken just one pick later, who led the Houston Texans to the playoffs in his debut season. While Young was given some benefit of the doubt due to Carolina’s struggling offensive line—which gave up a staggering 62 sacks—concerns about his long-term potential began to grow.

The start of Young’s second season didn’t help his case. He threw an interception on the first play of the opening game and followed it up with another error-filled performance in Week 2. Reports of veteran receiver Adam Thielen’s frustration surfaced, and just one day after his week 2 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers, Young was benched. Trade rumors quickly followed, linking him to the Miami Dolphins amid concerns over Tua Tagovailoa’s health. It looked as though Young’s time in Carolina could be cut short before it ever got going.

Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) throws the ball against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second half at Raymond James Stadium.

© Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

But the tide began to turn in Week 8. Young returned as the starter against the Denver Broncos and looked like a different quarterback—more composed, decisive, and confident. He showed notable improvement down the stretch, delivering competitive performances against high-caliber teams like the Chiefs, Eagles, Buccaneers, and Falcons. He led the Panthers to four wins and nearly upset both eventual Super Bowl teams. In a game against Kansas City, Young led a late drive to tie the game with under two minutes remaining. Against Philadelphia, he drove the Panthers into scoring position, only for a dropped touchdown by Xavier Legette to seal their fate. He finished the year with a 44-point explosion and an overtime win against the Falcons.

As Young enters year three, the stakes are at an all-time high. But for the first time, things are lining up for Young to finally succeed. With the 2025 draft behind them, the Panthers added several offensive weapons: Hunter Renfrow in free agency, and rookies Tetiaroa McMillan, Trevor Etienne, Mitchell Evans, and Jimmy Horn Jr. He'll also benefit from continuity with returning targets like Legette, Jalen Coker, and JaTavion Sanders. With better protection, more options to throw to, and greater scheme flexibility, the foundation is set. Now, it’s up to Bryce Young to prove he’s the franchise quarterback Carolina hoped for.