Panthers' Canales Dodges Bryce Young Trade Questions: 'We're Focused on the Broncos'

It's on to the Denver Broncos in Carolina Panthers head coach Dave Canales' eyes.

Canales treated fans and reporters to plenty of coach speak during his Monday press conference when asked whether the team would consider trading quarterback Bryce Young and instead said those were "hypotheticals" better suited for general manager Dan Morgan and executive vice president of football operations Brandt Tillis.

"Right now we're focused on the Broncos," Canales told reporters. "Andy's playing this week and that's really where our focus is at. All those other conversations are all hypothetical conversations that definitely Dan and Brandt, we have to have, but right now we're focused on playing the Broncos and getting Andy to take another step in terms of getting us back to playing good football."

Canales benched Young after an 0-2 start to the season and turned to veteran Andy Dalton, but things haven't gone much better.

While Dalton impressed in a 36-22 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders in his first start, he has four touchdown passes to six interceptions in the ensuing four games. All four of those contests were losses, and things hit something of a low point Sunday when he went 11-of-16 for 93 yards, zero touchdowns and two interceptions in a 40-7 defeat to the Washington Commanders.

One of those two interceptions was returned for a touchdown by Dante Fowler Jr.

Young entered the game when the outcome was well in hand and completed both of his passes for minus-four yards.

The NFL trade deadline is Nov. 5, and it would make sense if the Panthers are at least planning to explore moving Young if they have decided he isn't part of their future.

On Saturday, Dianna Russini of The Athletic reported Young was among a number of players who could be moved ahead of that deadline.

Other teams could see the 2023 No. 1 overall draft pick as someone who would benefit from a change of scenery with more talent around him and react accordingly, especially if those clubs don't have a young quarterback or well-defined long-term plan at the position.

And such a move would allow Carolina to get something back in return as it plays out the string of what is shaping up to be a lost season with Dalton under center.

But Canales is focused on the upcoming game against the Broncos and wasn't about to give a glimpse into any such plans.