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NFL Rumors: Panthers Aren't Eyeing Bryce Young Replacement, Want EDGE in Draft, FA

Zach Bachar

The Carolina Panthers reportedly aren't interested in moving on from Bryce Young.

According to ESPN's David Newton, the Panthers are expected to "actively look for an edge rusher" throughout the offseason and will utilize free agency as well as the draft in order to do so.

Young is going to have "a shot" at the starting role in 2025, per Newton.

The No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft threw three interceptions in his first two games of the season before he was benched in favor of veteran Andy Dalton. Young was inserted back into the first-string offense in Week 8 after Dalton suffered a thumb injury in a car accident and has remained atop the depth chart since.

The 23-year-old hasn't been flawless by any means, but he's looked much more comfortable since making his return. In seven starts since the benching, Young has completed 60.6 percent of his passes for 1,492 yards and eight touchdowns compared to six interceptions.

Dianna Russini of The Athletic reported on Saturday that Panthers owner David Tepper has been "thrilled" by Young's growth throughout the year.

The second-year passer ended up committing a career-high four turnovers during a 40-14 loss to the Dallas Cowboys in Week 15, although he's still expected to compete for the No. 1 quarterback job in 2025.

With the Panthers sitting at 3-11, they're in contention for one of the top picks in the 2025 draft. Bleacher Report's Brent Sobleski projected Carolina to land Tennessee edge James Pearce Jr. with the No. 5 overall selection in his latest mock draft of the top 10 picks.

The Panthers will be looking to bolster their defensive line throughout the offseason, but they're not expected to be searching for Young's replacement.

   

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