NFL Rumors: Panthers' Bryce Young Could Return to Lineup 'In Time' amid Benching

Despite being benched two games into this season, Bryce Young's time as the starting quarterback for the Carolina Panthers may not be entirely done.

Per ESPN's David Newton, the thinking is that "in time" the Panthers will correct their issues throughout the offense and Young will be back under center.

While there is no timetable for that to happen, Newton did note it could happen at some point this season.

Panthers head coach Dave Canales announced on Monday that Young was being replaced by Andy Dalton in the starting lineup amid a disastrous start for the No. 1 pick in the 2023 NFL draft:

"I just owe it to all the guys, the coaches, the staff, the players, everybody involved to be really critical about what we put on film, about what I'm seeing and to make sure that I'm constantly making the best decision for the team every week. And it happens to be the quarterback position and so it's loaded that way, but it's every position and it's all the guys. And I was able to stand in front of the team and challenge all the guys that we all have to step up our passion for what we're doing to play."

Young's benching did lead to speculation that he could be traded, either during the season or in the offseason. Newton reported on Thursday that the 23-year-old is "open to anything" whether it's staying in Carolina or being dealt to another team.

Canales said trading Young is "not something we're really considering" right now.

The only justification for trading Young would be to simply accept the sunk cost. It will be impossible for the Panthers to recoup anything close to the value they gave up in the trade with the Chicago Bears for the No. 1 pick last year.

The Panthers made aggressive moves during the offseason to improve the situation around Young. They signed Robert Hunt and Damien Lewis to improve the interior of the offensive line. Diontae Johnson was acquired in a trade with the Pittsburgh Steelers, and Xavier Legette was selected with the No. 32 pick in the draft to boost the receiving corps.

Despite those additions, Young played worse in two games this season than he did in 16 starts as a rookie. He completed 55.4 percent of his attempts for 245 yards with no touchdowns and three interceptions.

Being able to take a step back right now is probably in Young's best interest. He can work behind the scenes to get any confidence back.

If the Panthers fall out of playoff contention later in the season, they can use that as an opportunity to get another look at Young in a low-stakes environment.

Right now, the switch to Dalton at least gives the other players on the Panthers the hope that they can turn things around.