Life moves quickly in the NFL, and dwelling on the past can leave you behind. Just three weeks ago, the Carolina Panthers were committed to Bryce Young as their future, while the Miami Dolphins had firmly backed Tua Tagovailoa as their franchise quarterback. Now, Young is benched, Tagovailoa’s future is uncertain, and it’s time for both teams to consider a trade.
Young deserves a fresh start, and the Dolphins could benefit from acquiring him if Tagovailoa’s career is threatened by injuries. This trade could provide both teams with better circumstances. The challenge lies with Panthers owner David Tepper, whose ego may hinder acknowledgment of the franchise’s reality. After benching Young for Andy Dalton, the new coach, Dave Canales, stated they were “not really considering” trading Young, hinting at a possible shift in priorities.
Dalton has proven to be an upgrade, raising questions about Young’s viability as a starter. With Young’s confidence shaken and no clear path to reclaim his starting role, the Panthers face a tight deadline to decide on his fifth-year option, which could cost around $25 million.
The Dolphins, under Mike McDaniel, have successfully revitalized Tagovailoa’s career and could do the same for Young, offering him a supportive environment alongside stars like Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. Tagovailoa’s potential absence creates a pressing need for Miami to secure a competent quarterback, making Young an appealing option.
Trading Young so soon after being the No. 1 pick would be a significant admission of failure, but keeping him on the bench is equally problematic. The Panthers need to act quickly to maximize Young’s trade value, which is currently low but could improve with sliding-scale compensation based on performance metrics.
Ultimately, the decision hinges on whether the Dolphins see potential in Young and how the Panthers’ leadership, especially Tepper, perceives the situation. If Tepper is unwilling to accept the reality of Young’s struggles and fears his success elsewhere, the Panthers risk a path to failure.
For the sake of all parties involved, a trade to Miami, where Young could thrive, makes the most sense. This opportunity may not arise again, as the Dolphins present an ideal situation that could benefit both teams significantly.
