Who Should I Start? Sam Darnold or Bryce Young

Sunday, April 12, 5:26 AM

Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young entered the league with all the expectations of a number one overall pick, but through his first three seasons, consistency has evaded him. Carolina has exercised the fifth-year option on his rookie contract, giving the team two more years of affordable control and Young an additional chance to prove he's worthy of a massive pay raise. After a lackluster rookie campaign, Young was able to overcome a second-season benching in 2024, and with an improved surrounding cast, namely Offensive Rookie of the Year Tetairoa McMillan, he put up his best statistical season to date in 2025, finishing year three with 3,011 yards and 23 touchdowns on a 63.6% completion rate, all career highs. Unfortunately, that increased production, modest as it was, still came with fits and starts. Young topped 200 passing yards only once through the first 10 weeks before throwing for a career high 448 yards in a Week 11 win over the Falcons. He then went on to average 175 yards per game the rest of the way, including a brutal 54-yard outing in fantasy championship week. Carolina will likely look to add more offensive firepower through the upcoming NFL Draft, and Young did establish a late-season rapport with his big-bodied slot receiver Jalen Coker, so the pieces could be in place for yet another step forward. Unfortunately, until he's shown he can regularly string together week-winning performances, he profiles as little more than a QB3 in superflex dynasty leagues.