Could the Carolina Panthers look to an NIL sensation to replace struggling quarterback Bryce Young?
The Carolina Panthers have faced significant challenges this season. After securing the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, they were hopeful that Bryce Young would become their franchise quarterback. However, with recent news that the Panthers have benched Young in favor of Andy Dalton, it’s evident that questions remain about the quarterback position.
Young’s performance through his first 18 games with Carolina has been underwhelming. He has completed only 59.3 percent of his passes, accumulating 3,122 yards, 11 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions. Additionally, he has rushed for 271 yards and one touchdown. These stats have fallen short of what the Panthers need to succeed.
Given the current situation, could the Panthers consider targeting a standout player from the 2025 NFL Draft? Several top-tier quarterback prospects are expected to be available at the top of the draft. A recent mock draft by 247 Sports suggests that the Panthers could select Miami Hurricanes quarterback Cam Ward, a Heisman Trophy favorite and NIL star, with the No. 2 overall pick.
Cam Ward has made a strong impression early in the 2024 college football season. He has completed an impressive 73 percent of his passes for 1,035 yards, 11 touchdowns, and one interception through the first three games. Additionally, he has added 46 rushing yards and a touchdown on the ground. Ward’s performance on the field has garnered significant attention.
Off the field, Ward has also excelled. According to On3, he is ranked as the No. 8 overall NIL athlete and No. 7 among college football players, with a substantial valuation of $1.9 million. His success in both arenas makes him a compelling candidate for the Panthers if they decide to move on from Young.
Replacing Young with Ward would signal a major shift for the Panthers and an acknowledgment of a previous misjudgment. It could also lead to the team exploring trade options for Young to regain some value.
While the 2025 NFL Draft is still some time away, Ward’s potential as a top pick adds an interesting dimension to the Panthers’ future plans. If Carolina decides to pursue a new quarterback, Cam Ward could be a prime target for the team.
