The Carolina Panthers drafted Bryce Young with the first overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. Despite the Panthers winning only three games over the past two seasons, the franchise has been supportive and understanding of Young’s development.
He played much better football at the end of last season, which made Panthers ownership much more optimistic and excited about the upcoming 2025 NFL season with Bryce Young as their QB.
However, the Panthers do have a backup plan if Bryce Young and the team’s record don’t improve this season. Brent Sobleski of Bleacher Report wrote a feature detailing the realistic spots that the future top pick Arch Manning could land in the 2026 NFL Draft.
The insider claimed that Bryce Young should be on a “make-or-break season.” If he doesn’t play to the level of a No. 1 pick in his third year, then the Panthers should reevaluate their quarterback options. The Panthers are giving Young everything he needs, but it’s hard to ignore the household name waiting in the wings in Texas.
GettyArch Manning will become the starter for the Longhorns in 2025 after backing up Quinn Ewers.
Is Arch Manning Set to Replace Bryce Young for the Panthers?
Quinn Ewers, the former starting quarterback for the Texas Longhorns, was limited due to an injury-plagued season, which gave Arch Manning some playing time. In 2024, Manning threw for 939 yards with 9 touchdowns over 10 games. He also had a completion percentage of 67.8% and a QBR of 87.5. Once he has a full starting year under his belt, Manning is set up to become a star.
There is some speculation about Arch Manning declaring for the NFL early, according to a report by Dean Jones of Cat Crave. But the influence of NIL at the college level means top stars remain in their respective programs for longer, or they transfer elsewhere to secure bigger contracts.
Bryce Young could have until 2027 to develop before the Panthers dump him for Arch Manning or another quarterback. However, the clock is ticking. There’s still a whole season to play for both players, but it almost seems like an “arms race” for the Panthers. Bryce Young needs to prove that he is capable of leading the Panthers to more than a few wins a season and a basement finish.
This Could Be Bryce Young’s Last Chance in Carolina
GettyBryce Young finished last season with a 15-to-6 touchdown-to-interception ratio in the last 10 games.
Perhaps the most memorable moment of 2024 for Bryce Young was when Panthers Head Coach Dave Canales benched him in Week 3. Young returned in Week 8 and went on to throw at least one touchdown pass in his final 10 starts, as reported by ProFootballFocus.com. His strong finish last season turned some heads, but the Panthers are looking for more than just a strong finish.
The Panthers have received high praise for their offseason moves, including the acquisition of some new weapons such as Tetairoa McMillan and Hunter Renfrow. Recently, Luke Kuechly challenged Young during an appearance on the Up and Adams Show to maximize his weapons and confirmed the confidence the Panthers have in Young’s future.
The Panthers have high expectations for Young, but it’s also clear they truly want him to succeed in the NFL. The franchise has provided the tools for him to do so. Few are expecting a Super Bowl run in 2025, but Bryce Young needs to show the Panthers enough that they forget about Arch Manning. A lot can happen in a season, but now is the time for him to sink or swim in the NFL.
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