Panthers head coach Dave Canales takes strong stance on Bryce Young trade speculation

Carolina Panthers (0-2) head coach Dave Canales said Wednesday the organization is not “really considering” trading second-year quarterback Bryce Young.

“That’s not something we’re really considering,” Canales said. “We have a great situation with our quarterbacks right now with guys that have experience. We love where we’re at and we’re all hands on deck focused on playing the Raiders this week.”

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Canales said he “absolutely” believes Young can still be a franchise quarterback, per Joe Person of The Athletic. The first-year head coach announced Monday that Young would be benched in favor of veteran quarterback Andy Dalton for this Sunday’s Week 3 road contest against the Las Vegas Raiders (1-1). Young struggled in the Panthers’ two losses to open the season, completing 31-of-56 passes for 245 yards with zero touchdowns and three interceptions. The Panthers are 2-16 with Young as the starting quarterback.

The 23-year-old, former No. 1 overall pick has $10.93 million (all fully guaranteed) remaining on his rookie deal, which runs through the 2026 season. If Carolina trades Young, they would be subject to $12.4 million in dead cap money. Releasing Young would result in $22.4 million in dead cap.

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Panthers looking for better results with Andy Dalton under center

Dating back to Week 17 last season, the Panthers have thrown for zero touchdowns and less than 150 yards in four consecutive games. The 2009 Raiders were the last team to do that, per David Newton of ESPN. Dalton started one game for Carolina last season, throwing for 361 yards and two touchdowns.

Dalton has 170 games under his belt and is excited about the opportunity to be a starter again in the NFL.

“I’m really excited for this opportunity,” Dalton said Monday. “When I came here, I wasn’t sure if I was going to get another opportunity to start again. I’m really looking forward to it. I’m excited about what’s ahead. It’s a tough situation. I’ve been on both sides of it and it’s hard for everybody. But for me, I’m looking forward to it.”

Dave Canales explains decision to bench Bryce Young

Canales, brought in to get the best out of Young following his success working with Geno Smith in Seattle and Baker Mayfield in Tampa Bay, made the decision to go with Dalton believing the 36-year-old gives the Panthers the best chance to win football games — something Carolina has struggled to do over the last few years.

“A lot of factors that go into it for this decision. And, ultimately, just kind of landed on my shoulder to be able to make the best decision for our group to give us our best chance to win this week,” Canales said of the decision to bench Young. “And we focus on the weeks, we focus on the challenge at hand. We feel like Andy gives us our best chance to meet the challenge.

“This was my decision. This is our football team. This is trying to win on a weekly basis. And while it’s my decision, I gather information from the people that are critical to making these kinds of decisions. But this is something I felt like gives us our chance to take a step forward in our play style. And to be able to compete this week against a really good Raiders team.”