Bryce Young had one of the most unusual seasons among quarterbacks in 2024, especially considering the outlook after the first two weeks. After being benched following a rough start, Young bounced back, regained the starting job, and ended the season on a high note.
As a result, expectations for the Panthers have risen heading into this season, and an NFL analyst made a bold prediction for the franchise, which is trying to return to the playoffs after a seven-year drought.
A Renewed Bryce Young Could Be the Turning Point for the Panthers in 2025
After the first two games of the season, it looked like the Young-Panthers pairing was headed for a split. The quarterback looked lost and rattled on the field and was benched after a 26–3 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. At that point, Young’s name popped up in midseason trade rumors, and another rebuild seemed imminent.
But after spending five weeks behind Andy Dalton, Young returned as the starter and quickly showed signs of growth. He made better decisions and had more command of the offense. Cameron Wolfe discussed Young’s development and how the league sees him differently going into 2025.
“I talked to an executive earlier this offseason and asked, ‘Hey, surprise me, tell me something that stood out to you about this offseason.’ He said the Panthers are going to make a playoff push and be a top-ten offense. I asked, ‘Why?’ and he said, ‘Just look at the way they’ve surrounded Bryce Young with weapons.'”
Panthers have finally surrounded Bryce Young offensive talent to succeed and potentially surprise! Playoffs?!?
For @nflnetwork The Insiders: pic.twitter.com/Bg5QUgCdub
— Cameron Wolfe (@CameronWolfe) June 25, 2025
“When he first got into the league two years ago, he didn’t have the offensive line, he was running for his life. Now, he’s got two of the best guards in the league in Robert Hunt, who you mentioned, and Damien Lewis, guys they spent big money on in free agency,” Wolfe said.
The improvement in the Panthers’ roster is significant, and for the first time in his NFL career, there are realistic and positive expectations for Young’s performance. The addition of Rico Dowdle to complement Chuba Hubbard creates a backfield featuring two running backs who rushed for more than 1,000 yards in 2025, adding much-needed depth to the offense.
The arrival of Tetairoa McMillan gives Young a young wide receiver he can grow with and build the chemistry that’s been missing from a passing game that relied heavily on Adam Thielen, now in the final years of his career, and Xavier Legette, who had a quiet rookie season.
Wolfe adds that these moves have resonated with Young and could reshape his career, aligning with the growth he showed late last season.
“Bryce Young has shown that confidence in the last month of the season, and they believe he is their quarterback. Now, they’ve given him the right weapons to succeed. I think Bryce Young is headed for the best season of his career this year.”
Carolina is projected to win six games this season, and the overall strength of the NFC might be too much for a team still rebuilding. But there’s a real shot we see Young take another leap in production and spark a turnaround, similar to what happened with the Washington Commanders last season, going from a top draft pick to a playoff team in just one year.
