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Should Panthers consider intriguing trade proposal for QB Bryce Young?
Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young. Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

Should Panthers consider intriguing trade proposal for QB Bryce Young?

Last week, Carolina Panthers head coach Dave Canales said they're not planning on trading quarterback Bryce Young. But would they change their mind if they could acquire another QB?

On Wednesday, The Athletic proposed three trade packages for Young, who was benched after Week 2. In one package, NFL writer Joe Rexrode had the Tennessee Titans sending second-year QB Will Levis to Carolina for Young and a 2025 fifth-round pick.

"Levis has plenty of talent and showed more promise last season than Young has demonstrated in the NFL," Rexrode wrote. "This change of scenery could benefit both, especially Young, though the Titans would be gambling that last season didn't beat the confidence out of him altogether. As [QB] Andy Dalton just confirmed, the Panthers have made offensive improvements. Levis is another big, physical quarterback who has no confidence issues."

Dalton excelled in a 36-22 Week 3 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders (1-2), completing 26-of-37 passes for 319 yards and three touchdowns. Still, Dalton, 36, doesn't seem like the answer for Carolina (1-2).

Levis (6-foot-4, 229 pounds) has been turnover-prone this season. Through his first three starts, the former second-round pick has tossed five interceptions, the second most in the league behind Indianapolis Colts QB Anthony Richardson.

After a 30-14 Week 3 loss to the Green Bay Packers (2-1), Titans head coach Brian Callahan said he's not planning on benching Levis and the rest of the team must play better. It's apparent, though, that Levis' reckless play has contributed to the Titans' 0-3 start. 

Canales could help Levis, 25, unlock some of his potential, but trading for him may carry too much risk. 

Young — the first overall pick of the 2023 NFL Draft — may not fit in Tennessee. The Titans' paltry offense ranks 28th in the league in points scored (16 PPG).

Young, 23, has yet to prove he can elevate a weak supporting cast. In 18 regular-season starts, he's 2-16 and has thrown more interceptions (13) than TDs (11). 

The Miami Dolphins (1-2) may be interested in Young after recently placing starting QB Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) on injured reserve. 

Miami would probably be a better landing spot for the former Alabama star. Its roster features star wide receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. Plus, Dolphins HC Mike McDaniel is considered an offensive wizard.   

The Titans, meanwhile, should contemplate drafting a QB in 2025 if Levis doesn't improve. Tankathon's mock draft projects that they will take Georgia QB Carson Beck with the second overall pick.

Clark Dalton

Dalton is a 2022 journalism graduate of the University of Texas at Austin. He gained experience in sports media over the past seven years — from live broadcasting and creating short films to podcasting and producing. In college, he wrote for The Daily Texan. He loves sports and enjoys hiking, kayaking and camping.

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