The Carolina Panthers have made a surprising decision to bench quarterback Bryce Young, the first overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. After starting the season 0-2, the team will turn to veteran Andy Dalton to lead the offense in Week 3.
Young, who the Panthers drafted after trading a significant package to the Chicago Bears—including wide receiver D.J. Moore and multiple draft picks—was seen as the franchise’s future quarterback. However, his performance over the first two games of the season has been underwhelming. Young has completed just 55.4% of his passes for 245 yards, no touchdowns, and three interceptions in losses to the New Orleans Saints and Los Angeles Chargers. Overall, the Panthers have struggled offensively, scoring a combined 13 points in those two games.
Since joining the NFL, Young has led the Panthers to a 2-16 record, throwing for 3,122 yards, 11 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions in 18 games. With these difficulties, the team decided to give Dalton the starting role as they seek their first win of the season. The Panthers hope this change will jumpstart their offense moving forward.
The trade with the Bears in 2023 has already had a significant impact, as Chicago turned the draft picks they received into key players, including offensive lineman Darnell Wright and quarterback Caleb Williams. With the Panthers’ struggles, the Bears also still hold a valuable second-round pick in 2025.