Bryce Young Rumors: Panthers’ David Tepper ‘Signed Off On’ QB’s Benching for Dalton

Paul KasabianFeatured Columnist IIOctober 5, 2024

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Carolina Panthers owner David Tepper reportedly signed off on the team benching second-year quarterback Bryce Young for veteran Andy Dalton, per Adam Jahns and Joe Person of The Athletic:

“After the Panthers managed 13 points in getting outscored by 60 the first two weeks, Canales — along with Morgan and Tilis — benched Young, which Tepper signed off on, according to a source who was granted anonymity so that he could speak freely.”

Young, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft, struggled during his rookie season, a year when the Panthers collapsed, fired first-year head coach Frank Reich midseason and finished 2-15.

He got off to a fresh start under new head coach Dave Canales this year. However, Young did not fare well in two games, completing 31-of-56 passes for just 245 yards, three interceptions and no touchdowns.

The Panthers traded up from ninth to first in the 2023 NFL draft to eventually select Young. Carolina dealt a haul to get him, though, sending the 2023 draft’s No. 9 overall pick, a first-round pick in 2024 (that eventually turned out to be No. 1 overall choice Caleb Williams), second-round picks in 2023 and 2025 and receiver DJ Moore, who posted 96 receptions for 1,364 yards and eight touchdowns in his first year in Chicago.

The Athletic reported that “there was a sense inside [Panthers headquarters] that Young was the favorite from the start, according to four sources who were granted anonymity so that they could speak freely.”

The Houston Texans took Ohio State’s C.J. Stroud with the next pick. Stroud ended up being the Associated Press Offensive Rookie of the Year, and he led the Texans to an AFC South title last season.

Ultimately, Young’s career is far from over, but it’s gotten to about as bad of a start as possible. And the Panthers have dug themselves into a monstrous hole given how much the team gave up for Young and where the team is at the moment (1-3, last in the NFC South).

Perhaps Young regroups following the benching, figures it out and leads the Panthers to success. Right now, though, it’s Dalton’s team, and he’ll try to get Carolina back on the winning track when the team visits the Bears Sunday.