The Carolina Panthers’ decision to͏ ͏bench their No. 1 overall pick Bryce Young, ͏sparked͏ rumors that the team might be considering moving on from the young quarterback. Veteran Andy Dalton stepping in as the starter sparked plenty of buzz about Bryce Young’s future in Carolina. Fans and analysts alike started wondering if the Panthers were already losing faith in their 2023 top draft pick. Could they really be ready to throw in the towel this early?

Despite Young’s struggles, several teams have reportedly reached out to the Panthers, hoping to ͏acquire ͏the QB. ͏However, the Panthers have rejected these offers, ͏according t͏o ͏NFL insider Ja͏y G͏laz͏er, while ͏the dead cap situation looms large. ͏If͏ Young was traded, the ͏Panthers would face significant financial ͏penalties.

The team currently holds $8.1͏ million in dead cap for 2024, which would rise to a͏ daunting ͏$12.͏3 million ͏in 2025, totaling nearly $2͏0 million in financial losses. This figure highlights the͏ Panthers’͏ tricky position. Although trading Young might relieve͏ them of his current performance woes,͏ the ͏financial burden would be massive.

The Panthers are clearly not eager to let go of their franchise QB just yet. “Trading Young is not something we’re really considering,” said head coach Dave Canales. Still, with a 2-15 record in 2023 and ongoing struggles this season, the team’s patience may be wearing thin. If Bryce Young leaves Carolina, the team will not only suffer financially but could also face long-term consequences on the field.

Losing a former top pick would likely set the team back further in their rebuild, and finding a new QB would be an even bigger challenge after giving up so much to draft Young in the first place.

Bryce Young Benching: Justified decision or premature move for the Panthers?

Bryce Young’s early performances for the Carolina Panthers have been underwhelming, to say the least. With a career record of 2-15 as a starter and a completion rate of just 59.3%, Young’s struggles have been magnified in a Panthers offense that has been outscored 73-13 this season. Despite an improved offensive line and receiving corps, his inefficiency, particularly on third downs, has been glaring. His 44.1 passer rating ranks as the lowest in the league, ultimately leading to his benching after Week 2. This decision shocked many, especially Young himself, who expressed his surprise.

The benching brings both positive and negative outcomes for the Panthers. On one hand, it gives Young a chance to reset mentally and physically, allowing the coaching staff to reassess and provide him with a potential second opportunity later in the season. This could avoid further damaging his confidence and perhaps lead to long-term success, as seen with other greats like John Elway and Terry Bradshaw. On the other hand, pulling the plug so early raises concerns about Carolina’s ability to evaluate and develop their talent effectively. The Panthers invested heavily to draft Young, and to give up on him so soon sends mixed signals about their long-term vision.

Andy Dalton now steps into the starting role, bringing experience but also signaling that the Panthers aren’t prioritizing development at the moment. While Dalton’s steadiness might give the team a short-term boost, many argue that Young should’ve continued starting, especially with a relatively easier schedule ahead. Benching him this early may stunt his growth, but for now, the Panthers seem focused on preventing another spiraling season.