Panthers News: Scott Fitterer, Bryce Young, Adam Thielen and Rihanna

Which Carolina Panthers news stories are hitting the headlines as one of the biggest popular music artists in the world set the fanbase into a frenzy?

Even though the Carolina Panthers are still in the early stages of preparations ahead of the 2023 NFL season, there's still plenty to keep fans engaged. Whether that be practice, rumors, or even a global megastar showing love, the stories keep on coming for an organization that could be on the cusp of something special under Frank Reich.

Among the stories causing debate recently include Adam Thielen on his critics, Bryce Young's first taste of a Panthers' uniform, how general manager Scott Fitterer fared this offseason, and Rihanna rocking Carolina's inaugural uniform halfway around the world.

Let's delve into each topic in more detail.

Rihanna spotted in Carolina Panthers gear

Social media was whipped into a frenzy on Saturday when music sensation Rihanna was pictured/videoed wearing a Carolina Panthers uniform during a club appearance in Japan. To say this was well received by the team's fanbase would be understating things slightly.

The singer wore the No. 95 and even had a skirt with the Kerry Collins No. 12 stitched into it. Another sign that the Panthers are slowly returning to relevancy after years in the proverbial wilderness during Matt Rhule's disastrous reign as head coach.

This was pretty cool to see, in all honesty. Anything that raises Carolina's profile in a positive way should be welcome after how the franchise was perceived under previous regimes.

And there's no doubt Rihanna will be held in high regard by Panthers fans from here on out.

Carolina Panthers get decent offseason grade

It certainly hasn't been dull where the Carolina Panthers are concerned this offseason. Those in power set about shifting the franchise's course immediately, appointing Frank Reich as head coach and assembling one of the best staffs anywhere in the NFL for good measure.

Some intriguing free-agent signings were acquired on team-friendly deals and the Panthers also selected Bryce Young at No. 1 overall in the 2023 NFL Draft. Therefore, it's not hard to see why there is so much optimism surrounding Carolina's chances of winning the NFC South next time.

When examining Carolina's eventful offseason, Gilbert Manzano of Sports Illustrated was impressed, giving them a B+ grade for their efforts. The writer also claimed he wouldn't be shocked to see Young lead the Panthers to a divisional crown as a rookie if everything clicks into place immediately.

"There are concerns with Young because he lacks ideal size for the position (5'11" and 194 pounds), but the Panthers deserve plenty of credit for quickly forming a quality roster to allow him to find his footing during his rookie year. But Carolina will need [Jonathan] Mingo to make an immediate impact as a versatile 6'1" playmaker, or this unit will be hurting for a downfield threat. With a surging defense and a quality staff led by new coach Frank Reich, don’t be surprised if Young leads the Panthers to a division title in his first season."

Gilbert Manzano, Sports Illustrated

The signs are positive. But that will count for nothing if things don't come together effectively throughout offseason workouts ahead of Carolina's opener at the Atlanta Falcons in Week 1.

Carolina Panthers WR Adam Thielen hits back

Despite being at the tail end of his playing career, Adam Thielen promises to offer a considerable amount to the Carolina Panthers next season. And make no mistake, acquiring the two-time Pro Bowler was a major coup for an organization that beat out teams with more legitimate hopes of playoff success to attain his services.

Thielen looks set to provide rookie quarterback Bryce Young with a prolific security blanker all over the field. The wideout remains one of the slickest route-runners around, which should also assist in red-zone situations for good measure.

While the Panthers clearly feel like Thielen still has something to offer, that isn't an opinion shared by everyone. When asked about his doubters by Joe Person of The Athletic via The Viking Age, it provoked a passionate response from the former undrafted free agent out of Minnesota State.

"How am I too old and too slow? At the end of the day, people don’t actually watch the tape. They just look at stats and look at what people are saying about someone, and they don’t actually look and see what you’re doing. Sometimes it can be frustrating as a player. But at the same time, it gives you a little chip on your shoulder."

Adam Thielen via The Athletic/TVA

Any extra motivation Thielen can give himself next season is only going to help the Panthers. If that means reading as much criticism and doubts about the switch as possible, so be it.

Carolina Panthers want to enhance Bryce Young's superpowers

There was an enormous sense of excitement when Bryce Young donned his Carolina Panthers uniform for the first time at the NFL Rookie Premier this weekend. The black and blue outfit looks good on the No. 1 overall selection, but how he performs will be far more important than any style points.

This is all part of the bravado that comes following the draft. But for someone with Young's mindset, it'll be a relief when it's all over and he can focus on the task at hand.

Much has been made about the concerns surrounding Young from a durability standpoint. While it's something that's been seriously considered by those in power throughout the process, offensive coordinator Thomas Brown stated via David Newton of ESPN that there are no plans to restrict the signal-caller from being creative and doing what he does best between the lines.

"You don’t want to take away a guy’s superpower. Being able to have off-schedule plays was a big part of his game [at Alabama]. … As long as you operate within the rhythm and timing of the play, it’ll be all good.’"

Thomas Brown via ESPN

Brown has spent the offseason creating the playbook to Young's specification given how he was their primary target all along. Managing his reps throughout the summer will be an important part of the process, but the former Alabama stud is a quick learner with elite-level processing to match.

These factors should ensure complications are kept to a minimum. And there aren't many better situations Young could have ended up in for the next stage of his football journey.