In a surprising move on Monday, the Carolina Panthers made the decision to bench quarterback Bryce Young, raising speculation about his future with the team. Young, who has struggled to overcome adverse situations during his 18 NFL starts, has faced numerous challenges such as a struggling offensive line and lack of pass-catchers. Despite the Panthers hiring quarterback whisperer Coach Dave Canales, Young has failed to show significant improvement in his game during the 2024 season.

The decision to bench Young has sparked trade rumors, with many questioning whether he will reclaim the starting position for the Panthers. Comparisons are drawn to other highly touted quarterbacks who faced rookie struggles, such as Peyton Manning, Andrew Luck, and Trevor Lawrence, all of whom showed progress in their second year despite limited support. Meanwhile, the Panthers' decision draws attention to the potential alternatives, including instant success story C.J. Stroud, who was drafted just one spot behind Young.

Looking ahead, there are three potential plans for Young's future in the NFL. The first option is that a team may choose to give him an immediate chance to play, despite concerns that he may not be the same quarterback he was just over a year ago. It is suggested that Young would need to take a step back and reassess his career, working on breaking bad habits before building positive ones. However, there are NFL evaluators and coaches who relish the opportunity to fix things and may believe that Young can contribute right away.

The second plan is to let Young remain on the bench until at least 2025, allowing him to start fresh behind veteran quarterbacks. This approach could provide Young with the necessary time and support to competently compete for a starting role in training camp over the next two years. The aim would be to maximize his potential development over the remainder of his rookie contract.

The third plan revolves around rebuilding Young with the intention of trading him. This strategy draws parallels to the New England Patriots' approach of drafting and developing quarterbacks behind Tom Brady, eventually trading them for considerable value. Young's potential as a fast-appreciating asset could be appealing to a team looking for a quarterback who could be bought low and sold high.

As the Panthers evaluate their options for Young, potential landing spots for the quarterback emerge. One intriguing possibility is the Miami Dolphins, as their current quarterback, Tua Tagovailoa, is on the injured reserve due to a concussion. While Young may still need time to adapt his game to the Dolphins' system, the team could consider him as a backup plan in case Tagovailoa's health concerns persist.

Another team that could show interest in Young is the Las Vegas Raiders, who currently have quarterback Gardner Minshew but have struggled in the run game. With a solid pass-blocking offensive line and a talented group of pass-catchers, the Raiders could provide a favorable environment for Young to continue his development.

The New York Giants and the San Francisco 49ers are also mentioned as potential destinations. The Giants may look for a new quarterback if Daniel Jones and Drew Lock fail to perform, while the 49ers may seek a backup to support their quarterback, Brock Purdy.

Ultimately, Young's future in the NFL remains uncertain. However, with the right opportunity and coaching, there is still potential for him to rebuild his value and compete for a starting role in the future. As teams evaluate their quarterback options, the decision to bench Young marks the beginning of a new chapter in his career.