Panthers not trading Bryce Young at the deadline doesn’t mean the QB is safe

The Carolina Panthers dropped to 1-7 with a loss to the team Denver Broncos Sunday. The vibes around the team aren’t great these days, but it was a notable game for one reason – Bryce Young was back under center.

Former election no. 1 took over the starting gig with Andy Dalton out due to injury. Young, in just his second NFL season, was benched a few weeks into the season by an impatient Dave Canales. Obviously, his return to the field did not coincide with a victory, but Young was not completely inept. He completed 24 of 37 passes for 224 yards and two touchdowns, which is similar to Drew Brees by his normal standards.

Did Young make some nasty interceptions, too? Of course he did, but baby steps are just the same. The Panthers need to see a little more aggression and big-play ability from the 23-year-old. At least he let Sunday fly. That’s real progress, and it would appear Carolina was pleased with Young’s first week back at the controls.

“The Panthers were encouraged by his improvement and overall commitment to the team upon his return to the field last week,” it writes Dianna Russini of The Athletic. “I expect the team to evaluate everything this offseason and make a decision on Young’s future in Carolina.”

That’s code for “don’t expect the Panthers to trade Bryce Young before the Nov. 5 deadline.”

Here is the simple truth of the situation, according to Russini’s report. The Panthers can get more for Young this offseason, so there’s every incentive to sit out the rest of this lost season to see what happens. If Young makes significant strides and starts to live up to the promise of his draft position, the Panthers can move forward with him as their QB1. If he regresses and Carolina remains in the NFL’s basement, chances are the Panthers will target Young’s replacement in the 2025 draft.

Most teams in the market for midseason QB trades are looking for short-term injury replacements or quality backups. Front offices generally aren’t eager to overhaul their entire quarterback room in Week 9. That means Young’s market is naturally muted. By waiting until the offseason, the Panthers can increase the interest of QB-needy teams looking for more permanent solutions. Young was the beauty of the Boy Scouts prom not long ago. He has fans all over the league.

The Panthers “continue to get multiple calls,” according to Russini, so make no mistakes. Young suitors are real. The Panthers are rightly taking the patient approach, even if an anxious fan base would prefer more immediate and concrete action. Young’s value has never been lower. By letting him play out the season, Carolina can also give Young a chance to increase his value. Even if Carolina isn’t committed to Young long-term, there are potential mutual benefits for a productive second half for Alabama product.

So… don’t expect Andy Dalton at the controls anytime soon. Carolina will hedge bets and hold the doors openbut there’s no reason to end a bad, losing campaign with your 36-year-old mentor running the show. Let Young flourish or falter, then reopen trade talks next spring.