In what could be one of the most disastrous trades in NFL history, the Carolina Panthers’ gamble on quarterback Bryce Young has backfired in record time.
After trading up to secure the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, Carolina chose the Alabama standout over other promising QBs, including C.J. Stroud.
Fast forward to now, and Young has already been benched.
The backstory begins with a shocking turn of events in the 2022 NFL season.
The Houston Texans, in position to secure the top draft pick, were expected to tank their final game. But then-head coach Lovie Smith had other plans. With little to lose personally, Smith led the Texans to a surprise win, gifting the Chicago Bears the No. 1 pick.
The Bears, who already had a young quarterback in Justin Fields, didn’t need another signal caller and made the pick available to the highest bidder.
The Panthers, desperate to move on from the Baker Mayfield experiment, saw their opportunity. Carolina agreed to an aggressive trade, giving Chicago their 2023 first-round pick, future first- and second-round picks, and star wide receiver D.J. Moore. In return, they got the No. 1 pick, which they used to draft Bryce Young.
The selection of Young immediately raised questions.
Standing just 5’10” and weighing 204 pounds, Young became the NFL’s smallest quarterback overnight. But Carolina believed in his potential, picking him over Stroud, Anthony Richardson and Will Levis – all of whom were considered more physically imposing prospects.
Fast forward to this season, and the size doubts have been painfully realized.
After two dismal games, Young was benched, having thrown for just 245 yards, no touchdowns, and three interceptions in blowout losses to the Saints and Chargers.
Despite a strong offensive line, Young struggled, hindered by a lack of receiving talent and his own limitations.
Panthers’ head coach Dave Canales decided to bench him for veteran Andy Dalton, marking a remarkably quick end to Young’s time as the starter.
“Certainly a lot of parties involved there, and ultimately this comes on me,” Canales said of his decision to bench Young. “My No. 1 responsibility is to help the Panthers win, and so this move puts us in the best chance to do that.”
One thing is for sure, the veteran Dalton is thankful for the opportunity to once again take meaningful snaps under center.
“When I came here, I wasn’t sure if I was going to get another opportunity to start again,” Dalton said with a smile. “And so I’m really looking forward to it. I’m excited about what’s ahead.
“It’s a tough situation. I’ve been on both sides of it, and it’s hard on everybody. But for me, I mean, I’m looking forward to it.”
Carolina’s move now seems catastrophic, not just for their future but also in comparison to the other quarterbacks they passed on.
Stroud, selected by the Houston Texans with the No. 2 overall pick, has looked like one of the best young quarterbacks in the league.
It’s easy to say now, but had the Panthers chose Stroud instead, this trade might look completely different. (Although succeeding in Carolina has proven to be quite difficult for virtually everyone.)
Adding salt to the wound, Chicago is still reaping the rewards of the trade.
In the 2023 draft, they used Carolina’s ninth overall pick (after a trade-down) to select offensive tackle Darnell Wright, who had a solid rookie season.
They also added wide receiver D.J. Moore, who delivered career highs in receptions, yards, and touchdowns in his first season with the Bears.
Meanwhile, with Carolina’s 2024 first-round pick – the No. 1 overall selection – the Bears drafted Caleb Williams, touted as a “generational talent.” (Although he’s off to quite a rough start.)
This trade, already looking like a massive haul for the Bears, could get even better.
Carolina still owes them a second-round pick in 2025, and with the Panthers’ ongoing struggles, that selection could be another top-35 pick.
In hindsight, passing on Stroud has only compounded Carolina’s woes.
All things considered, the decision to draft Young is looking like the worst in NFL history.
But is it? … Of course, only time will tell for sure – but do you think Young overtakes JaMarcus Russell (and others) as the single worst draft pick of all-time???