The Carolina Panthers' decision to bench Bryce Young, their No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, has raised serious concerns about his future and whether he might be remembered as one of the biggest quarterback busts in NFL history. Just two seasons into his professional career, Young's struggles have been evident, with a 2-16 record as a starter and a win percentage that ranks among the worst for quarterbacks with at least 15 starts since 1950. His performance has disappointed fans and analysts alike, especially when compared to other quarterbacks in his draft class.
The Panthers had high hopes for Young when they traded up to secure the No. 1 pick from the Chicago Bears. This blockbuster trade involved Carolina giving up substantial assets, including future draft picks and star wide receiver D.J. Moore. However, Young's lackluster on-field performance has left many questioning if that gamble was worth it. Making matters worse, C.J. Stroud, the quarterback selected right after Young by the Houston Texans, had a stellar rookie season and continues to shine. Stroud's success makes Young's struggles even more glaring, highlighting just how lopsided their careers have been so far.
Also Read:- Baby Pygmy Hippo Steals Hearts as Online Sensation
- Willy Adames Powers Brewers Closer to NL Central Title With Multi-Homer Night
What adds salt to the wound for Carolina is not only the performance gap between Young and Stroud but also what the Bears gained from the trade. The first-round pick Carolina sent to Chicago in 2024 turned into Caleb Williams, the Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback many consider a generational talent. Williams, who now looks set to shape the Bears’ future, only amplifies the frustrations surrounding Young’s shortcomings, especially as the Panthers forfeited the opportunity to land such a promising player.
Bryce Young’s benching, which sees veteran Andy Dalton take over as the starter, is a significant low point for both the quarterback and the franchise. Dalton, at 37 years old, is not seen as a long-term solution, but rather a stop-gap as the Panthers assess their options moving forward. The situation leaves Carolina in a difficult position, having invested heavily in Young with little to show for it thus far.
Young’s story is not unique, as NFL history is littered with highly-touted quarterbacks who failed to live up to expectations. But what sets this situation apart is the scale of the investment Carolina made to acquire him and how quickly the team has pivoted away from their original plan. The Panthers are now at a crossroads, and with a tough schedule ahead, it remains to be seen whether Young can regain his footing and prove his doubters wrong—or if this marks the beginning of the end for his time as a starter in the NFL.
As the Panthers continue to search for answers, Bryce Young’s future remains uncertain. What was once a franchise's hope for the future is now a case study in the high stakes and even higher risks of betting big on an unproven quarterback.
Read More:
0 Comments