Michael Vick, Baker Mayfield have fellow #1 NFL draft pick Bryce Young's back

Two former number one overall NFL draft picks say Bryce Young's story is far from finished and they're not writing him off.

Tim Weaver | Sep 19, 2024

TAMPA, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 03: Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Bryce Young #9 of the Carolina Panthers meet on the field after their game at Raymond James Stadium on December 03, 2023 in Tampa, Florida. / (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)

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Carolina Panthers

The Carolina Panthers had little choice but to bench quarterback Bryce Young given the way he started off the 2024 season. His QBR would be the worst all-time for any starter if it stood for the whole season and he actively seemed to be getting worse on the field each game, not better.

As bad as it was, it doesn't mean Young is completely broken or that he can't have a future in this league. Even number one overall draft picks go through tough times and have to find a way through to the other side. On that score, Young has the support of a couple guys who know what it's like. Here's Michael Vick and Baker Mayfield sharing their thoughts on Young's benching.

Michael Vick not writing off Bryce Young

4x Pro Bowl QB @MichaelVick on it being a good thing for Bryce Young to sit behind Andy Dalton...

"I'm NOT writing Bryce Young off." @heykayadams @Panthers @foxsports #KeepPounding pic.twitter.com/8kV38Sajeh
— Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) September 18, 2024

Baker Mayfield: Bryce Young's story far from finished

Baker Mayfield was asked about Bryce Young's benching in Carolina, and he explained how tough playing quarterback is, especially when the supporting cast isn’t great.

"His story is far, far from finished."

Baker played in Carolina, is a former No. 1 pick and eventually bounced… pic.twitter.com/4iLBfHNPmP
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) September 18, 2024

For now the Panthers claim they aren't interested in trading Young. However, they also insisted he was still their starting quarterback not 24 hours before they benched him. The truth is some players need a change of scenery in order to reach their full potential. It would be a mistake not to give Young at least one more chance to start before midseason, but if he blows that one it might be time for Carolina to cut their losses and seek a trade at the deadline.