The Carolina Panthers made headlines by benching Bryce Young just two games into his second NFL season, a surprising move for the former No. 1 overall draft pick. However, the team reportedly has plans to give Young another opportunity to prove himself as the season progresses.
According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, the Panthers are expected to bring Young back as the starting quarterback at some point during the 2024 season. Although veteran quarterback Andy Dalton is set to start against the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday, Rapoport reported that Young’s benching should “be viewed as more of a break than anything.” The Panthers are hopeful that the decision to sit Young will give him a chance to reset mentally and benefit from observing the game from the sidelines.
Despite the team’s intentions, it appears Young may not be entirely on board with the move. Sources close to the situation have indicated that the young quarterback was both “stunned and angry” over the decision to bench him.
This frustration has sparked speculation about Young’s long-term future in Carolina, with rumors swirling that he could potentially request a trade if he feels the situation doesn’t improve.
RELATED: Bryce Young Attracting Trade Interest from Multiple NFL Team
From Young’s perspective, the benching likely feels more like punishment than a strategic break. The Panthers have been a team in flux since drafting the former Alabama star, firing multiple coaches during his rookie season and bringing in a new head coach, Dave Canales, this year. Rather than allowing Young time to work through his early-season struggles, Canales pulled him from the starting role after just two games. This has led to questions about the team’s faith in Young as their franchise quarterback.
For the Panthers, the decision to bench Young may have been motivated by the desire to protect their young quarterback from further struggles and rebuild his confidence. However, if the team shows improvement under Dalton, it could complicate Young’s path back to the starting role. If Dalton leads the Panthers to a few victories, there may be pressure on the coaching staff to keep him as the starter, creating a potential quarterback controversy.
In the event that Young’s frustrations continue to grow, it’s possible he could seek a fresh start with another team.
The 2024 season could prove pivotal for both the Panthers and Young as they navigate this delicate situation. While the Panthers seem committed to giving Young another chance, the quarterback’s patience with the organization may be wearing thin.
Ultimately, Carolina’s plan to reinsert Young into the lineup later in the season could hinge on the team’s performance under Dalton and Young’s own willingness to continue his development in what has been a challenging environment.
The coming weeks will determine whether Bryce Young’s future remains in Carolina or if he seeks a new opportunity elsewhere.
