Grant Halverson/Getty Pictures
NFL groups referred to as the Carolina Panthers relating to quarterback Bryce Younger earlier than Tuesday’s 4 p.m. ET commerce deadline, however the workforce will probably be holding on to him, in keeping with The Athletic’s Dianna Russini.
Dianna Russini @DMRussini
The Panthers will probably be preserving QB Bryce Younger, per supply.
Groups have referred to as Carolina about 2023’s No. 1 decide, however in the end, have determined to not commerce him. pic.twitter.com/Kb2uDcXE0z
The Panthers chosen Younger with the No. 1 total decide within the 2023 NFL draft, however he is struggled out of the gate, to the purpose the place Carolina benched him for veteran Andy Dalton two video games into the 2024 season.
Nonetheless, he is returned as QB1 over the past two video games after Dalton suffered a sprained thumb. The ex-Alabama star seemed much-improved from Weeks 1 and a pair of, finishing 40-of-63 passes for 395 yards, three touchdowns and three interceptions.
Younger additionally led the Panthers to a 23-22 win over the New Orleans Saints final Sunday, snapping the workforce’s five-game shedding streak.
Whereas the Panthers’ future on the place stays murky, particularly given the workforce’s choice to bench him coupled with commerce rumors, there is not any doubt Younger has seemed extra assured and much-improved. Actually, Younger was distinctive on third and fourth downs in opposition to the Saints, per Professional Soccer Focus.
PFF CAR Panthers @PFF_Panthers
Bryce Younger on third/4th downs vs the Saints:
🔹 82.5 PFF grade
🔹 7/8 passing
🔹 71 passing yards
🔹 4 first downs pic.twitter.com/Kx3ukAcbH2
Maybe his most up-to-date sport represents new life in Carolina, though head coach Dave Canales instructed reporters he wasn’t certain whether or not Younger or Dalton, now good to go, begins for the Panthers after they play the New York Giants in Germany on Sunday.
“We’ll soak up all the data, watch the movie, we have to course of, we have to verify we have a look at all these things, and we’ll allow you to guys know within the subsequent couple days,” Canales stated, per Michael David Smith of Professional Soccer Speak. “Ensure we make one of the best choice for the workforce.”
However he is clearly pleased with Younger.
“I’ve obtained to have a look at the entire thing, I’ve obtained to observe the movie and all that stuff, however he got here up massive,” Canales stated. “Simply pleased with the step he took once more, taking all of the issues we’re asking him to do and getting us to the precise place.”
In equity to Younger, he wasn’t precisely pulled into a very good beginning spot for achievement. The Panthers have seemingly been in a continuing state of turmoil for the reason that finish of the Cam Newton/Ron Rivera period, and so they have not made the playoffs over the past six seasons.
Younger’s first head coach, Frank Reich, was fired after a 1-10 begin in 2023. Interim coach Chris Tabor then led the workforce for six video games earlier than Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator Dave Canales took over this yr. And Younger himself cannot carry the Panthers out of the doldrums, with the workforce going simply 4-22 for the reason that starting of the 2023 season.
However regardless of all that, he is discovered some success just lately, and it will be attention-grabbing to see if he is in a position to proceed that in Munich on Sunday, ought to he be named QB1. Kickoff from Munich is at 9:30 a.m. ET.
