As one could imagine, the Panthers’ recent shift behind center apparently didn’t go over very well with Bryce Young.
Young, the No. 1 overall pick in last year’s NFL draft, was benched by Carolina two games into the 2024 campaign. Veteran signal-caller Andy Dalton, who hasn’t started a game in nearly a calendar year, will lead the Panthers into their Week 3 road matchup with the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler on Wednesday shared some intel about Carolina’s quarterback change, including Young’s reported reaction.
“The Panthers sent shockwaves through the league with the benching of Bryce Young,” Fowler wrote. “Here’s what I know about the situation after asking around. First, Young was not only shocked by the decision but also upset. ‘He’s pissed,’ a source said, citing the vision of the new Panthers offense being ripped apart after two games.”
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Young’s reported frustration is warranted. The Panthers appear to be a pretty dysfunctional organization and an offseason overhaul of the coaching staff probably didn’t help with development. He hasn’t really had a chance to flourish in Charlotte, and now he’s paying the consequences for some franchise issues out of his control.
There also are significant implications that come with a highly drafted quarterback’s demotion. It’s now fair to wonder if Carolina doesn’t view Young as a critically important piece of its future and would be willing to trade him.