The NFL is the ultimate “what have you done for me lately?” league. When it comes to quarterback Bryce Young, it’s clear the Carolina Panthers aren’t thrilled with what he has done as of late. In the 2023 NFL Draft, Carolina made Bryce Young the No. 1 overall pick of the draft. Only 18 games later, Young is now on the bench, replaced by veteran journeyman Andy Dalton.
Not much has gone right for the Panthers in the last couple of seasons. We’ve just made it to Week 3, and once more they appear to be the worst team in the league by a considerable margin. Young, with a 2-16 record as a starter, has lost both of them this year. Through two games, Young is only completing 55% of his passes for 245 yards, no touchdowns and three interceptions as Carolina looks entirely uncompetitive.
Apparently, two games is all first time head coach (and former Seahawks quarterback coach) Dave Canales has needed to see from his young signal caller. At the moment, the question becomes “what now?” for Young. Perhaps Young truly isn’t cut out for the league. Or perhaps the Panthers are such a dysfunctional organization where a second chance elsewhere is borderline deserved. For example, both Sam Darnold and Baker Mayfield were on Carolina in 2022. Now, those two are flourishing with the Vikings and Buccaneers, respectively.
When it comes to potential new landing spots, ESPN’s Dan Graziano suggested the Miami Dolphins as his top option. Makes sense, considering the ‘Phins have no idea what the future will look like for Tua Tagovailoa. However, Graziano did say “don’t sleep on the Jets, Rams and Seahawks if Young were available.”
The future of the quarterback position in Seattle may not be as murky as Miami’s, but to say it’s settled for the longterm is not accurate. Yes, Geno Smith is playing lights out football, and has been during his tenure in Seattle. But he is soon to be 34, and will be entering the last year of his contract in 2025.
That being said, the Seahawks did trade for quarterback Sam Howell, who is already seen as a reclamation project. Still, Young was the No. 1 overall pick in the draft for a reason, and widely seen as one of the best prospects.
Whatever the future may hold, you can bet Seattle’s general manager John Schneider is at least looking into the possibility. As he’s said many times before, he’s in on every deal.
