We heard last week that the Panthers were receiving trade inquiries on second-year quarterback Bryce Young in the wake of the club’s decision to bench Young in favor of veteran Andy Dalton. Fox Sports’ Jay Glazer added more context to the situation, reporting that four teams reached out to gauge Carolina’s interest in dealing Young (video link).
Glazer says that the Panthers emphatically told those clubs that they were not moving last year’s No. 1 overall pick, and that they still see a future for Young in Charlotte. Naturally, the team does not want to undermine its already limited leverage in potential trade negotiations by publicly expressing any uncertainty about Young’s long-term viability, but it is at least notable that they are taking this stance for the time being.
Multiple outlets have suggested that the Panthers intend to turn back to Young at some point this season, and Glazer reiterates that the club does believe that allowing Young to reset and to learn from Dalton will aid in his development. That said, Glazer stopped short of confirming that Young would play again in 2024, noting that would be dependent on how Young performs in practice.
Of course, Young’s immediate future will also be impacted at least to some degree by Dalton’s performance. The longtime Bengal and recent journeyman thrived in his first start in 2024, piloting Carolina to a blowout win over the Raiders in Week 3 while completing over 70% of his passes for 319 yards and three scores. Obviously, the soon-to-be 37-year old is a bridge option at this point, but if he keeps the Panthers in playoff contention, it would be surprising to see the team reinsert Young in 2024.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter recently pegged the upcoming offseason as the most likely time for a trade to be consummated, and Dianna Russini of The Athletic reported that the Panthers-Young relationship is indeed expected to come to an end in 2025. Trade rumors are nonetheless likely to continue swirling until the November 5 deadline, and at some point in the near future, the Panthers will be put to a potentially franchise-altering decision regarding the player they staked so much on just one year ago.
For his part, Young is said to be open to a trade sending him out of Carolina, though he is also amenable to remaining with the Panthers.