Carolina Panthers leadership has experienced a bit of an overhaul as owner David Tepper made changes at both head coach and general manager this offseason.
Former Buccaneers offensive coordinator Dave Canales was hired as the new coach and former Carolina linebacker Dan Morgan was promoted from within to be the new general manager. However, when speaking on the Pat McAfee Show Thursday afternoon, NFL insider Adam Schefter said there is one relationship that will define the future of the franchise.
“To me, the biggest, most important relationship in that organization now — it’s not close — is the one between Dave Canales and Bryce Young,” Schefter declared. “Because this team mortgaged its future on the quarterback that the organization believes in and (believes) has the chance to grow into a great player.”
He continued, explaining how Young is the Panthers’ prized asset and it’s Canales who could be the key to unlocking the former No. 1 pick’s potential.
“They need somebody who’s gonna nurture him, allow him to grow and become the quarterback they believe he was when they traded up and gave away all those picks to get Bryce Young. So that is the most important relationship in that organization now. You can take Tepper, you can take Morgan, you can take any of these guys, but it’s about Dave Canales and Bryce Young and what they do together.”
Lastly, Schefter added that part of Canales’ appeal as the hire is that he showed an ability to develop a quarterback like Baker Mayfield this past season, who previously enjoyed a much less successful stint in Carolina.
“Obviously, the Panthers are very impressed with what he did this past year with Baker Mayfield. Dan Morgan knows him from his time in Seattle and knows the kind of attitude that he has.”
McAfee then jumped in to agree that the success of the Canales-Young combo will decide the fate of the Panthers going forward. However, he believes Tepper will still have his hand heavily involved in team operations.
“I understand that Canales’ and Bryce Young’s success will alter how all the conversations go about the Carolina Panthers. But for those of us who talk about the NFL, that Tepper relationship with everybody is No. 1,” said McAfee.
Dave Canales only spent one year as an offensive coordinator in Tampa and will be heading up his first NFL team this fall. Meanwhile, Bryce Young is only in his second season after an extremely tough year one. Not much experience, but plenty of time to grow that connection and prepare for a huge year two with Young under center and year one with the new coach.
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