Dave Canales admitted it was a bit unsettling.
The Carolina Panthers coach, however, wasn’t talking about his toughest decision of 2024—benching Bryce Young after back-to-back blowout losses to start his head coaching tenure. Nor was he referring to the crushing loss to the Commanders or the four-turnover disaster against the Cowboys.
Instead, sitting in a ballroom at the Indiana Convention Center just before the NFL Scouting Combine, Canales was reflecting on the season finale against the Atlanta Falcons—a thrilling 44-38 overtime victory featuring two young NFC South quarterbacks going toe-to-toe.
“That was exciting but also pretty scary, ya know?” Canales said, recalling the game from three months ago.
The nerve-wracking part? Rookie Michael Penix Jr., who went drive-for-drive with a red-hot Young. Young finished with 251 passing yards, three touchdowns, and two rushing scores, showcasing his potential.
“It was an amazing feeling walking off that field,” Canales added. “Not just because we won, but because it showed us what’s ahead—what we need to prepare for.”
A year ago, Canales could only speak in hypotheticals about Young, the former No. 1 overall pick. He envisioned an offense that was “tough,” “smart,” and fully built around him—something specific and tangible, not a vague plan to “fix” Young.
Now, as the 2025 season approaches, their relationship has evolved past theory. It has been tested by the lowest points of 2024.
“There’s just a mutual respect,” Canales said. “We went through something really challenging and came out the other side together. Now we’re growing something. Like I said a year ago—this offense will reflect Bryce Young, however we need to make that happen.”
That respect extends beyond the early struggles of 2024. Beyond the 73-13 combined score of the first two games. Beyond veteran Andy Dalton stepping in during Week 3 and leading the Panthers to their first win. It also includes glimpses of potential—like a two-game stretch where the Panthers nearly derailed both of this year’s Super Bowl teams.
Canales’ confidence in Young is evident in how the roster is being built. The team secured Dalton, now 37, on a two-year deal. Star running back Chuba Hubbard signed a four-year extension. The offensive line—once a glaring weakness—has been revamped.
Now, the focus shifts to Young’s receiving corps. Adding weapons has been a major talking point this offseason, especially with notable free agents available. One name floated in fan speculation? Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson, who stirred conversation in January by responding to a post about Young’s Atlanta heroics with, “He is [better than we thought].”
Still, both Canales and GM Dan Morgan have remained measured in their approach.
“I love our receiver room,” Morgan said. “We’ve got Thielen, Jalen Coker, Xavier Legette—a young core still developing. And Thielen, he’s the reliable veteran, always in the right spot.”
That doesn’t mean the Panthers won’t look to upgrade.
“We want to add as many playmakers as possible,” Morgan admitted. “If we find the right guy in free agency or the draft, we won’t hesitate.”
The team is particularly focused on adding speed at receiver, with prospects like Arizona’s Tet McMillan and Stanford’s Elic Ayomanor on their radar. Free agents such as Tutu Atwell, Tyler Boyd, or Marquez Valdes-Scantling could also be options. Canales has even expressed interest in tight ends, highlighting Penn State’s Tyler Warren for his versatility in both blocking and receiving—key in Carolina’s run-heavy system.
But one thing is certain: Young is their guy.
Canales made a similar statement last year. Now, with 2024 behind them, a stronger bond in place, and further investment on the way, it’s easier than ever to believe him.