Panthers Reportedly Eyeing Two Bryce Young Replacements

It has been an up-and-down season for the Carolina Panthers in 2024. They own a 3-7 record but have won two straight games. Bryce Young entered his second season with the club and has dealt with a lot of adversity.

He was benched after two games by head coach Dave Canales in favor of Andy Dalton. Carolina then handed Young the ball again in Week 8 against the Denver Broncos after Dalton injured his thumb. Even though Young has shown some improvement since stepping back on the field, the Panthers don't appear to be committed to him long-term.

In fact, they have already eyed two potential replacements for Young.

Panthers Rumors: Two QBs Are on Carolina’s Radar for 2025

According to The Athletic's Joe Person, the Panthers are interested in Justin Fields and Miami Hurricanes' quarterback Cam Ward.

"When Young led back-to-back wins over New Orleans and the Giants — matching his win total from his rookie season — Canales declined to immediately name him the starter for the following game. So it wouldn’t be surprising if Dalton is behind center again, with Canales and the other decision-makers gauging whether the 37-year-old could be a bridge in 2025. Canales also has ties to Smith and Wilson if either becomes available. The Panthers could draft Cam Ward, who’s starring for GM Dan Morgan’s alma mater, Miami, and bring in someone like Justin Fields as a bridge."

- Joe Person, The Athletic

For the Panthers to be able to select Ward, they'll need to have a Top 5 selection. The likelihood of Carolina trading a bunch of future draft picks for another young quarterback would be questionable. Especially since they seem ready to move on Young after just two seasons.

As for Fields, he'll hit free agency this March and could be an option for Carolina. The thing with Fields is that he's still developing as a passer. Just like Young.

Canales and GM Dan Morgan weren't the ones who drafted Young, so they don't have any loyalty to him. With each passing week, it becomes more and more evident that he isn't their quarterback of the future.

This decision is debatable, as Young hasn't been surrounded by much talent over the last two seasons. Does he need to play better? Yes. But everything doesn't fall on him. He needs a better supporting cast, and that falls on management.

Whether moving on from Young is the right decision remains to be seen. But when there's smoke, there's usually fire.

More Panthers news and rumors: