Introduction

In a surprising turn of events, multiple NFL teams have shown interest in acquiring quarterback Bryce Young from the Carolina Panthers, despite head coach Dave Canales' insistence that the team is not looking to trade the former No. 1 overall pick, according to sources close to the situation.

Current Interest

The Panthers have received inquiries from several organizations regarding Young's potential availability, though official discussions have yet to materialize. While Carolina has publicly stated that they want to retain the second-year quarterback to support their new starting signal-caller, Andy Dalton, insiders speculate that the likelihood of a trade is growing. Many believe that an offseason deal could be the most opportune time for such a transaction.

Young's Performance and Challenges

Young has had a rocky start to his NFL career, facing challenges that have led to him being benched in favor of Dalton. The Panthers currently hold a dismal 2-16 record with him at the helm, which is the worst for any quarterback selected first in the draft during the Super Bowl era, as highlighted by ESPN research. Despite the struggles, Young's potential trade value remains, albeit not on par with the assets sent to the Chicago Bears to secure his draft rights last season.

Comparative Trades

To provide context, the league has seen similar scenarios unfold in recent years. In 2019, the Arizona Cardinals traded 2018 first-round pick Josh Rosen to the Miami Dolphins in exchange for a second-round pick, which they used on wide receiver Andy Isabella. More recently, the NFL witnessed three former first-round quarterbacks traded last offseason, including the likes of Zach Wilson and Mac Jones, for modest returns.

Young’s Struggles

This season, Young's performance has been below expectations, with a Total QBR of just 9.1, one of the lowest recorded in consecutive games in league history. The pressure is mounting, and Young expressed surprise at being benched, stating, "There’s a long list of things that I wish were better, and I’ll continue to work, grow, and improve."

Coaching Stance and Teammate Support

When questioned about the possibility of trading Young, Canales firmly stated that it is "not something we're really considering." However, support for Young is evident from his teammates; running back Miles Sanders emphasized that "it's definitely not over" for the talented Alabama product, while veteran wide receiver Adam Thielen expressed confidence in Young’s abilities, highlighting his impressive throws during practice.

Looking Ahead

As the Panthers prepare to face the Las Vegas Raiders, Dalton, 36, is set to start, marking a critical juncture for the franchise. With the eyes of the league on Carolina’s next moves, the Bryce Young saga continues to unfold, leaving fans and analysts eager to see how it will ultimately play out.

Conclusion

Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story as the trade deadline approaches!