What fans want to know ahead of Week 3

The Carolina Panthers are under the spotlight for all the wrong reasons entering Week 3.

Following another disastrous start to the season for quarterback Bryce Young, the team announced on Monday that the 2023 No. 1 overall pick would be benched in favor of 36-year-old veteran Andy Dalton. Fans now have questions as to what’s next for the franchise and what is to come ahead of Carolina’s road trip out west to take on the Las Vegas Raiders.

Let’s reach into this week’s edition of the Panthers Wire mailbag and answer some of your inquiries…

(Note: Some questions have been edited for length and clarity.)

A break for Bryce

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Is this temporary to give Bryce a break and he will be back this season? – @jenw_8

After benching Young on Monday, head coach Dave Canales has not specifically ruled out the possibility of the 23-year-old playing again this season. He also said that he still believes Young can be a franchise quarterback, and that he and his staff are about the growth and development of the players on their roster.

That last part tells me that we will likely see Young again in 2024. This type of move is hard to come back from though—especially when it’s this early in his career.

For now, Dalton is the starter, but it’s fair to expect Young to be back under center around the Week 11 bye. Right now, Canales is focused on getting the offense into a rhythm by promoting a stubborn run game and a reliable passing outlet.

Moving on from Young via trade

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Should the Panthers consider trading Young? If so, what would they be able to get for him? A second-round pick would be worth the move, but I don’t think they could get that. – David J.

Is there any reason Bryce is at his absolute bottom value? I see rumors he will be traded. Why? – Norm C.

As of right now, there have been no indications that Young is being shopped—and Canales has made that clear.

But things can change. So, let’s explore this hypothetical.

Being a former top selection in any draft, especially at quarterback, would intrigue any team in need of a developmental player, spot-starter or even a long-term piece in the perfect circumstances. His value may seem “low” at the moment, but there is definite trade value in acquiring a talent like Young.

This is a signal-caller that is still quite skilled, and flashed that potential numerous times last season. The regression from last year is concerning, but plenty of…