As Big Cat says (and I try to give him credit every time I use it): Dysfunctional teams do dysfunctional things.
The Panthers are dysfunctional right now. And they’ve done a lot of dysfunctional things.
Most recently, they benched quarterback Bryce Young after just 18 regular-season games. While the final decision – no matter who actually made it – was necessary to prevent a complete implosion of the locker room, it is the culmination of a toxic stew fueled by owner David Tepper.
So what’s next for Young? Coach Dave Canales has said the Panthers aren’t considering trading the first pick in the 2023 draft. But they should do it anyway.
If they/Tepper decided Young wasn’t the right fit, then get the equivalent of the remainder of his contract and move on. They/Tepper tried. It didn’t work. To the team’s credit, they/Tepper admitted the mistake instead of doubling down.
And they/Tepper didn’t portray the trade as a temporary rest or whatever the Jets did when they/Woody benched Zach Wilson in his second season. By all appearances (from a well-functioning franchise perspective), the Panthers are done with Young.
If so, they/Tepper should do the right thing for Bryce Young and trade him. Yes, they own his contractual rights. As if he has any say in the matter. They drafted him. They added to the pressure and expectations that come with the first pick by giving up a lot (including the pick that became Caleb Williams) to get him.
They/Tepper believed in it. Now they/Tepper don’t believe in it anymore. In this case, the boy should try to save his career.
Trade him, like the 49ers traded Trey Lance after it became clear that Brock Purdy was the right fit. Don’t let Young sit another year just because he’s on a rookie deal on the pay scale. If you don’t believe in him, give him a chance to hit the reset button.
Unfortunately, dysfunctional teams obsess over things that don’t matter, like what it might look like if Young plays well somewhere else. Look at the Jets. They look foolish because they mistreated Geno Smith and Sam Darnold, both of whom are performing much better elsewhere.
The Panthers shouldn’t let such petty concerns influence their handling of Young. They/Tepper tried. They/Tepper failed. Give the kid a fresh start, even if that means he pursues the potential that prompted them/Tepper to sign him in the first place.
