The Carolina Panthers’ decision to bench Bryce Young has sparked speculation about his future, with many wondering if a new environment could unlock the potential that made him the 2023 first overall pick. After a rocky rookie season and a shaky start to 2024, the Panthers turned to veteran Andy Dalton, who led the team to its first win of the year. Now, questions loom: is Bryce Young’s time in Carolina coming to an end, and could the Miami Dolphins be his next destination?
Young’s Struggles in Carolina
Young’s rookie campaign has been anything but smooth. Following a 2-15 finish last season, the Panthers hired head coach Dave Canales to support Young’s development and re-energize the franchise. Yet, after two losses this season, Canales made the tough call to bench Young in favor of Dalton. The move proved successful in the short term, with Dalton steering the Panthers to victory against the Las Vegas Raiders, but it cast further doubt on Young’s ability to thrive in the current setup.
Despite the challenges, the Panthers have expressed public support for Young, emphasizing that their intention is to continue developing him. However, rumors of outside interest are heating up. Teams like the Las Vegas Raiders and Tennessee Titans have reportedly considered trading for the young quarterback, and one intriguing suitor has emerged: the Miami Dolphins.
Why Miami Could Be a Fit
The Dolphins have been navigating uncertainty at quarterback, particularly with Tua Tagovailoa’s health. After multiple concussions, Tagovailoa’s future in the NFL remains uncertain, and the Dolphins could be eyeing a potential long-term solution. According to ESPN’s Dan Graziano, Young could fit into head coach Mike McDaniel’s fast-paced, quick-release offensive scheme, which plays to his strengths.
While Young’s rookie salary is just $915,000, any team acquiring him would take on a fully guaranteed $10.13 million over the next two years. For the Panthers, trading Young would come with its own financial challenges, including a hefty $12.3 million in dead money. These financial considerations could complicate any potential deal, but the idea of Young in Miami is certainly intriguing.
Could Young Thrive in Miami?
Miami presents an ideal setting for a quarterback looking to reboot his career. Under McDaniel, the Dolphins’ offense has shown flashes of brilliance, particularly with its emphasis on quick decision-making and utilizing playmakers like Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. Young, known for his football IQ and ability to make fast reads, could benefit from the Dolphins’ scheme.
However, Miami isn’t the only team that might have an eye on Young. The New York Jets, Los Angeles Rams, and Seattle Seahawks are all potential landing spots if the Panthers decide to move on. Each of these teams presents its own unique set of challenges and opportunities, but Miami stands out due to its quarterback concerns.
What’s Next for Bryce Young?
As Young watches from the sidelines, his future remains in limbo. The Panthers seem hesitant to pull the trigger on a trade, especially without the right compensation. But as the season unfolds, the pressure will mount for Carolina to make a decision about their young quarterback. A move to Miami could give Young a fresh start in an offense designed for his skill set, but the Panthers won’t let him go without favorable conditions.
For now, Bryce Young’s future is unclear, but one thing is certain: there will be no shortage of suitors if Carolina chooses to part ways with the talented signal-caller. Keep an eye on Miami as the trade rumor mill continues to swirl.
