NFL Player News

Panthers coach Frank Reich said Young will work with the second-team offense at the beginning of OTAs, Joseph Person of The Athletic reports.

Given that Young was the No. 1 overall pick after two full seasons as an SEC starter, the real question is whether he'll be promoted to the first unit before the start of training camp or sometime later in the summer. It'll be surprising if Andy Dalton lasts beyond early-to-mid August with the first unit and shocking if Dalton gets the Week 1 start (absent an injury to the rookie). The strong probability of Young starting most or all of the season makes him relevant in superflex and two-QB leagues, but he's much less intriguing in single-QB redraft, as he didn't run much at Alabama and has mediocre receiving options in Carolina. The Panthers do at least have a promising offensive line, and they took WR Jonathan Mingo in the second round after signing RB Miles Sanders, TE Hayden Hurst and WRs Adam Thielen and DJ Chark earlier this offseason. The 5-foot-10 rookie thus figures to be mostly surrounded by competent players, though not particularly exciting ones at the skill positions.

Minshew could begin the regular season as Indy's starting quarterback, but 2023 first-round draft pick Anthony Richardson is expected to start sooner rather than later, Zac Keefer of The Athletic reports. "[Richardson's] experience as a player and getting more reps - practice reps, game reps - I think that's how you develop," said head coach Shane Steichen.

The Colts signed Minshew to a one-year contract to provide a veteran backup who can ease Indy's transition to a new franchise quarterback. It sounds like the Colts intend for Richardson to be the Week 1 starter, but his ascent into the starting role will depend on how he fares in training camp and the preseason. Minshew could be the early season starter, but we wouldn't count on him starting many games ahead of Richardson.

Coach Bill Belichick noted Friday that he "absolutely" feels the same way about Jones as he did prior to training camp last season, at which time he complimented the QB's progress, Mike Reiss of ESPN.com reports.

When asked if Jones is still the team's No. 1 signal-caller option, Belichick replied, "Yeah, I mean, look, Mac's been our quarterback for two years. As I tell the team every year, each player, each coach, we all have to re-establish and prove ourselves every year. That's what this league is. That's for all of us -- '23 is '23. We'll see how '23 goes." Now heading into his third pro campaign since being drafted 15th overall in 2021, Jones is slated to work under new offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien, who noted that the team's incumbent starter has "worked really, really hard this offseason." Following the 2023 NFL Draft, in which the team didn't select a signal-caller, it appears as though Jones will have an opportunity to solidify his standing as the team's top option at the position, with 2022 fourth-rounder Bailey Zappe, Trace McSorley and reported UDFA addition Malik Cunningham also in the team's QB mix.

The Browns believe Thompson-Robinson can be the top backup to Deshaun Watson this season and potentially a long time, Zac Jackson of The Athletic reports.

Cleveland wasn't necessarily looking to draft a quarterback, but the organization felt Thompson-Robinson is an ideal fit for the offense being built ahead of Watson's first full season with the team. Thompson-Robinson initially will compete with Kellen Mond but could eventually usurp the No. 2 job from Joshua Dobbs. The Browns play in the Hall of Fame Game this August, which gives them an extra week of training camp and preseason game with which to develop and evaluate Thompson-Robinson.

Coach Kyle Shanahan and GM John Lynch said after the conclusion of the 2023 NFL Draft on Saturday that Lance (ankle) is 100 percent healthy ahead of OTAs, David Lombardi and Matt Barrows of The Athletic report.

Lance was lost for the 2022 season in Week 2, when he sustained a fibula fracture and ligament disruption in his right ankle. Prior to the injury, he was set to lead the 49ers offense as a 2021 first-round pick, but first Jimmy Garoppolo and then Brock Purdy righted the ship, with the latter leading the team to the NFC Championship Game. Purdy himself was hurt in that contest and required surgery on his right throwing elbow in March. While Purdy has an indefinite recovery timeline, San Francisco's brass has mentioned that he's the "leader in the clubhouse," when healthy. In the meantime, though, Lance and free-agent addition Sam Darnold will handle all the QB reps this offseason, which will be key for Lance potentially reclaiming his status as the team's signal-caller of the future.

Bagent is expected to sign with the Bears as an undrafted free agent, Alan Saunders of PittsburghSportsNow.com reports.

Bagent played 15 games in his senior year at Shepherd, completing 69.9 percent of his passes for 4,580 yards, 41 touchdowns and eight interceptions. Bagent had a 43-10 record as the starter for Shepherd, including back-to-back 13-win seasons in his final two seasons. He has a steeper learning curve than Division I quarterbacks when it comes to NFL-level defensive speed, but his mindset and physical profile should help him adjust to the stiffer competition.

Cunningham is expected to sign with the Patriots as an undrafted free agent, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.

Cunningham played 10 games for Louisville last season, completing 62.4 percent of his passes for eight touchdowns and five interceptions while adding 565 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns on 114 carries. His 120 total touchdowns over five seasons with Louisville broke the school record previously owned by Lamar Jackson. While undersized and inconsistent with his throwing mechanics, he is an instinctive athlete with natural running ability that will help him compete at the NFL level.

Morgan is slated to sign with the Steelers as an undrafted free agent, Teresa Varley of the team's official site reports.

Morgan played nine games with Minnesota last season, completing 62.2 percent of his passes for 1,382 yards, nine touchdowns and five interceptions. Morgan has shown improvement each season with his pocket movement and ball placement but has struggled with his pre-snap reads. The Steelers will give him a look because of his competitiveness and year-to-year improvement.

The Chargers selected Duggan in the seventh round of the 2023 NFL Draft, 239th overall.

Duggan (6-foot-2, 207 pounds) was a good collegiate quarterback at TCU, but in the NFL there is extensive reason to believe he just doesn't have what it takes as a passer to see the field at quarterback. Duggan does have standout athleticism to work with, however, and could leverage his rushing ability enough to get by as needed in a backup role. The Chargers might even want to give him a look at receiver after Duggan ran a 4.52-second 40 at the combine.

The Eagles selected McKee in the sixth round of the NFL Draft, 188th overall.

McKee is a tall (6-foot-6), lanky signal-caller who lacks maneuverability in the pocket, essentially the exact opposite of star QB Jalen Hurts. The Eagles have always prioritized value at the QB position as opposed to scheme fits, so it's clear McKee's NFL arm enticed general manager Howie Roseman, but it's unlikely the Stanford product will push Marcus Mariota for the team's backup role.