The Carolina Panthers will have open competition for their starter at quarterback heading into the 2023 season.
In March, the Panthers traded two first round draft picks, a second and a third along with star wide receiver DJ Moore to acquire the number one draft pick - in order to select their quarterback of choice.
After being heavily rumoured to be interested in Ohio State's CJ Stroud, they opted instead for Alabama's Bryce Young - who many believed to be the best quarterback in the class. But, despite knowing they had the chance to get their man, the Panthers recently signed veteran quarterback Andy Dalton - giving the long-time starter a two-year, $11 million contract.
Dalton beat out Jameis Winston to start with the New Orleans Saints last year, and impressed throwing 19 touchdowns and completing 67% of his passes in 14 games. As well as having Dalton, the Panthers also have Matt Corral at the position, who the team spent a third-round pick on in last years draft.
And although Young will be expected to be the starter on the opening day of the season, new head coach Frank Reich has stated that as of now, he will not be and must earn his spot as he faces Dalton in training camp.
He told The Athletic: "He’ll have to earn it. Obviously, that’s the way it should be. We’ll know when the right time is.
"He’s got enough going on right now. I just want him to come in and learn the offense and not have to worry about stepping into the limelight.
"Just come in, learn the offense, get to know these guys. When we step out onto the field the first time, he’ll be in that No. 2 spot."
The team will return for Organised team activities (OTA's) later this month - the first time the team will be allowed to practice together ahead of the new season.
With every rep at practice being vital for the new quarterback to build a rapport with his receivers, it appears Young will have to work with the second team, with Dalton seemingly being the starter as of now.
