CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Andy Dalton kick-started the Carolina Panthers' season with a stellar performance in Sunday's 36-22 win over the Las Vegas Raiders, and now there are even more questions about Bryce Young's future.
The former No. 1 draft pick was benched last week after a dismal showing against the Los Angeles Chargers. And while some NFL insider reports indicated Young's benching is more of a mental reset than permanent change, Locked on Panthers host Julian Council isn't so sure. Especially after Dalton became the first NFL quarterback to pass for 300 yards and three touchdowns in a single game.
"The Panthers are not going back to Bryce Young," Council said. "This is Andy Dalton's team."
Council took it a step further, saying he believes Bryce won't be Carolina's quarterback again this season unless Dalton is injured. He argued when you look at former top draft picks, such as Trey Lance and Zach Wilson, once they're benched, that's pretty much it. Organizations are typically more patient with young players, but with Canales not being part of the front office that drafted Young, he may not be as favorable to going back to him.
"It's over for Bryce Young," Council said. "Once you bench them, it's over for them. They don't get a second chance. It's over for him here in Carolina."
Dalton provided a much-needed spark for an offense that was lifeless in the first two games of the season. He also energized the defense, with Council saying Dalton's veteran presence eased pressure on the defense to be perfect. Beyond that, Council says Dalton's teammates showed you why they believe the 13-year veteran should start over Young.
"If they even tried to go back to Bryce Young, they're going to have a mutiny on their hands," Council said. "The players show you who the quarterback is. The team showed you today who they want to be the quarterback in Carolina. The team wants Dalton."
What's next for Bryce Young?
The 2023 No. 1 overall pick is in the second year of a four-year contract and all things considered, he's affordable. His cap hit the next two years are $10.3 million and $12 million, respectively, should a team make a trade offer to Carolina. That's unlikely to happen this season, as the Panthers don't have another quarterback on the roster.
Dalton is in the last year of a two-year deal he signed with the Panthers in 2023 and will be a free agent after this season. Council believes they may bring him back in 2025 but that's not the long-term answer. Which, for a team as bad as Carolina's been lately, isn't the worst thing.
"Being competitive and functional on offense is more important today than whether they've identified 'the franchise,'" Council said.
If Carolina opts to stick with Young, there's a chance he'll be the quarterback in 2025. This would give him two full offseasons and training camps to work with Dave Canales, who was hired mostly due to his ability to revive the careers of struggling quarterbacks.
If the Panthers decide to wash their hands of Young, there's reportedly been some interest. ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that "several teams" have inquired about Young, but the Panthers don't plan on trading him now. It's important to keep in mind what Carolina gave away to draft Young — wide receiver D.J. Moore, two first-round picks and two second-round picks — and why they could potentially hold onto him if the return isn't adequate.