What dream pairings could help Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young flourish during his sophomore NFL campaign in 2024?
As the 2023 season is gradually ending, there is a lot of buzz and speculation surrounding the Carolina Panthers' future. Fans and experts alike are eager to know who will take over the crucial roles of general manager and head coach. Will the team opt for experienced figures or fresh talent to hopefully lead them to brighter fortunes in the coming seasons?
Despite the numerous variables at play, one thing is clear: Bryce Young is currently leading a team going through a rough patch. As the quarterback and captain, the signal-caller shoulders a significant amount of responsibility. However, he cannot do it all alone.
It's now up to David Tepper, the team's owner, to act and provide much-needed support for Young. The Panthers' future may depend on the billionaire's ability to secure additional resources to help the No. 1 pick and his teammates. It's a critical moment for the franchise with high stakes attached.
Before discussing potential targets, let's review Young's first year in the pros.
The former Alabama star finished the season with 2,877 passing yards, 11 touchdowns, 10 interceptions, and a QBR of 33.3. He was sacked 62 times, but he also managed to accumulate 253 rushing yards.
The performances overall could have been better. However, there were some instances where the quarterback showed signs of leadership, competitiveness, and accountability. Many areas still need improvement, but there is a lot of potential to work with.
Without any delay, let's take a look at some dream pairings that could help Young flourish in 2024.
Carolina Panthers could pair Tee Higgins with Bryce Young
Tee Higgins is currently under contract with the Cincinnati Bengals. However, he will be a free agent later this spring unless the team decides to use the franchise tag on him.
If the Carolina Panthers managed to get their hands on Higgins, it would significantly improve their offense and wide receiver group. It might even provide them with a reliable WR1 for many years. That's the ceiling considering he's played second fiddle to Ja'Marr Chase more often than not in Cincinnati.
Carolina reportedly examined the prospect of trading for Higgins before the 2023 deadline. Their quest to secure the former Clemson Tiger was unsuccessful. Could they go back again if the Bengals let him hit the market?
Higgins was drafted in 2020 and has had a successful career with 257 receptions, 3,864 receiving yards, and 24 touchdowns. He fits the mold as the Panthers desperately needed a receiver who could provide a vertical threat and make successful jump ball plays.
He has proved to be the perfect fit for this role, bringing in explosive energy and the ability to create separation, which the Panthers' receiving core was desperately missing throughout the season. Many believed Terrace Marshall Jr. might be able to fulfill these responsibilities. He could not live up to expectations.
Regarding Bryce Young, having a safety net to bail him out from time to time would significantly benefit his journey. I fully expect Carolina to prioritize Higgins as a target of interest this offseason.
Carolina Panthers could pair Ben Johnson with Bryce Young
Ben Johnson, who hails from Charleston, South Carolina, has gained a lofty reputation serving as the Detroit Lions offensive coordinator. He is poised to garner significant attention during the upcoming cycle and the Carolina Panthers have already thrown their hat in the ring as expected.
Last offseason, the Panthers attempted to recruit the 36-year-old coach. However, they were unsuccessful after he spurned multiple advances. Johnson ultimately returned to the Lions for unfinished business.
Johnson has made a significant contribution to the changes occurring in Detroit. This year alone, the Lions have won the NFC North and ranked among the top three teams in offensive yards. It's enhanced his head coaching credentials along the way.
The progressive coach has also played a crucial role in revamping veteran quarterback Jared Goff's performance Johnson has transformed him into a playoff-caliber signal-caller who ranks in the top three for passing yards. No mean feat considering how his talent was perceived before the bombshell trade.
Bringing Johnson to the Carolinas would finally fulfill Tepper's dreams of finding a young, offensive-minded head coach. Additionally, acquiring the play-caller would set Bryce Young on the right track and restore some confidence we saw during his Alabama days when he took the college football world by storm.
Carolina Panthers could pair Troy Franklin with Bryce Young
My following statement is merely a prediction, and it might be too early to determine its accuracy. We are unsure if Troy Franklin will be available for selection at the No. 33 overall selection. However, the 2024 NFL Draft class is brimming with many talented and promising wide receivers.
In such a scenario, the Carolina Panthers should make the most of this opportunity and draft the best player from this group.
Franklin, the junior out of Oregon, caught immediate attention with his impressive season. He hauled in 81 receptions for 1,383 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns, averaging 17.1 yards per catch. There were highlight-reel plays aplenty from the explosive wideout.
The 20-year-old wide receiver possesses exceptional speed and a diverse route tree, which the Panthers desperately need in the locker room. Bryce Young would perform exceedingly well with a pass-catcher who can disrupt the defense by accelerating off the line of scrimmage.
Franklin's ability to make a difference is similar to Young's college teammate Jameson Williams, who currently plays for the Detroit Lions. One could even compare his skill set to Robbie Chosen Anderson during his only productive season with the Panthers.
Although the speedster may not have an ideal physique, we have seen that it is only a small part of what makes a player great. As we witnessed in the case of Young, despite being sacked 62 times, he remained resilient throughout the season. If Franklin is still available at No. 33, he would be a great addition to the depleted Panthers roster.