Panthers legend Steve Smith gets honest about Bryce Young heading into 2024 season

Bryce Young is officially set for success in the 2024 season. But that doesn't mean everyone is willing to believe in him.  Recently, Carolina Panthers legend Steve Smith Sr. was asked whether he is still on the Young bandwagon. His answer proved the former star wide receiver was conflicted about the No. 1 overall pick.  "I […]

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Dec 31, 2023; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) runs the ball against Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Travon Walker (44) in the third quarter at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Reper-USA TODAY Sports
Image via Jeremy Reper-USA TODAY Sports

Bryce Young is officially set for success in the 2024 season. 

But that doesn't mean everyone is willing to believe in him. 

Recently, Carolina Panthers legend Steve Smith Sr. was asked whether he is still on the Young bandwagon. His answer proved the former star wide receiver was conflicted about the No. 1 overall pick. 

"I liked Bryce Young initially,” Smith said on the RG3 and The Ones podcast. "We have to pick a guy. That’s our job. We have to pick a guy. Because I picked Bryce and said we should go with Bryce, that doesn’t mean that I think C.J. [Stroud] can’t play. I said, just like other people reported, Bryce’s processing was faster than C.J.’s.

“But at the end of the day, a smart kid can look dumb if he’s around a lot of dumb people. And a dumb kid, or a smart kid, can be really smart if he’s around a lot of smart people. And what I’m saying is — you’re only as good as your company, and your company can only heighten and elevate you.”

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Dan Morgan, the Panthers' general manager, spent a considerable amount of time improving the offensive line and adding pass-catchers to what was a weak wide receiver room. 

In year two, Young has few excuses. The team is now constructed in his image. It is time to see if he lives up to the call.