Bryce Young: Future Star or Staying Stagnant?

By Jason Bolton July 31, 2025 17:41

Bryce Young entered the 2025 NFL season with the weight of high expectations, positioned as the Carolina Panthers’ presumed franchise quarterback. After a rookie campaign marked by some growing pains, Young's sophomore season showed signs of progress and raised hopeful questions about whether he is on track to become a true star in the league or risk stagnating in development.

Young’s 2024 season statistics underscore a quarterback still refining his game but undeniably talented. In 14 games (12 starts), he completed 60.9% of his passes for 2,403 yards, throwing 15 touchdowns against nine interceptions. His passer rating rose to 82.2 from 73.7 as a rookie, and he posted a QBR of 54.1, both signs of incremental improvement. On the ground, Young added five rushing touchdowns, demonstrating the mobility that makes him a dual-threat on offense. The Panthers went 4–8 with him starting, an improved record relative to the dismal 2–14 start in his rookie year when he was under center for all 16 games.

Coach Dave Canales has shown faith in Young as the team’s quarterback heading into the 2025 season, highlighting the importance of stability at the position for the Panthers’ future. Canales noted that Young’s maturity and understanding of the offense have considerably improved, suggesting brighter days lie ahead if the young passer continues to develop.

Despite promising flashes, some undercurrents temper the enthusiasm around Young’s trajectory. His completion percentage and yards per attempt (6.3) remain modest compared to elite NFL quarterbacks, and the 15:9 touchdown-to-interception ratio points to ongoing issues with precision and decision-making under pressure. Analysts often cite his footwork and pocket presence as areas needing refinement, with inconsistent deep ball accuracy and occasional lapses in reading defenses.

However, Young’s handling of adversity and leadership qualities stand out. He has been praised for how he manages the huddle and maintains composure amidst a rebuilding Panthers team struggling with offensive line protection and limited weapons. Team insiders have noted his proactiveness in film study and collaboration with coaches, both key attributes for future growth.

Off the field, Young’s mindset appears geared for long-term improvement. The quarterback himself has spoken about focusing on “shortening the process” to develop faster, emphasizing work ethic and learning from veteran mentors on the roster. His rookie challenges are well-documented, but his response signals an athlete unwilling to settle for mediocrity.

A critical factor in determining whether Young will ascend to star status is the Panthers’ commitment to surrounding him with supporting talent. Offensive coordinator Joseph Brady’s system, tailored to maximize Young’s mobility and arm talent, will require more offensive line stability and weapons for Young to excel. The success of nearby skill players and tight ends will directly influence outcomes, as will the defense’s ability to give Young manageable game scripts.

In sum, Bryce Young is at a crossroads in his NFL career. The statistical improvements from his rookie to second year are encouraging, and his foundational skills and intangibles suggest a solid ceiling. Yet, the nuanced challenges he faces mean the leap from promising young quarterback to bona fide star is far from guaranteed. His 2025 season and perhaps subsequent campaigns will reveal if he can translate potential into sustained performance or risks plateauing in a league defined by rapid evolution.

For Panthers fans and NFL observers, Young represents an intriguing blend of hope and uncertainty: a player who has shown he can improve but is still on the cusp of proving that he can lead an NFL offense consistently and at an elite level.