Few franchises in the National Football League have drawn more scrutiny in recent months than the Carolina Panthers. Once a team that reached the Super Bowl and carried the swagger of Cam Newton’s MVP campaign, they now find themselves at the center of growing concern from league insiders, fans, and even their own players. From questionable draft decisions to a revolving door at the coaching level, sources around the league have gone as far as to describe the Panthers as a “mess” of an organization. One anonymous league executive has even called the team’s current situation a “disaster,” a characterization that isn’t hard to accept when considering the full context of where the franchise currently stands. Another executive questioned the wisdom of trading up to draft Bryce Young, only to fail in building a supportive environment around him. These concerns strike at the very heart of what separates stable NFL franchises from the ones doomed to dysfunction. To fully understand the criticism levied at the Panthers, it’s important to examine the multiple layers of their missteps, how those choices reflect broader trends in team management, and what could lie ahead if these issues remain unaddressed.
The decision to trade up in the 2023 NFL Draft to select Bryce Young was meant to be a new beginning for Carolina. After cycling through quarterbacks like Teddy Bridgewater, Sam Darnold, Baker Mayfield, and P.J. Walker in previous seasons, the Panthers were desperate for a franchise signal-caller to lead them out of obscurity. Young, the Heisman-winning quarterback from Alabama, carried with him all the hallmarks of a cerebral and accurate passer with poise beyond his years. He excelled in college under Nick Saban, where he was known not just for his physical skillset but also for his composure, leadership, and high football IQ. On paper, he appeared to be a surefire answer for a team in need of identity and direction.
However, the NFL is not college football, and the transition from NCAA to the pros often exposes even the most talented athletes to brutal realities. While Bryce Young still possesses plenty of promise, the situation he has been placed in could hardly be described as conducive to development. In fact, several league executives have noted that the Panthers did not do nearly enough to highlight Young’s strengths or protect his weaknesses in his rookie year. A successful young quarterback in the NFL doesn’t just need talent; he needs infrastructure—competent coaching, a solid offensive line, skilled receivers, and a consistent offensive scheme. Without these things, a promising career can veer off track quickly. In Young’s case, what he received was a revolving cast of play-callers, a shaky offensive line, and a receiving corps that lacked a true number-one target.