There have been plenty of bad, lopsided, franchise-crushing, what-were-you-thinking trades in NFL history.

You’d be hard pressed to find one that fell apart quicker and more decisively than, first, the Carolina Panthers acquiring the No. 1 overall draft pick in 2023 and then, second, completely blowing the evaluation process on who to take with that selection.

Monday, following another Carolina loss, head coach Dave Canales announced the benching of that draft pick, quarterback Bryce Young. Just two games into Young’s second season, he is being replaced by veteran Andy Dalton.

Even though Canales expressed continued support for Young long term, well, everyone has seen this act play out.

If Young isn’t worth playing on a bad team this early in the season for a first-year head coach, then when would he be? If the Panthers so lack confidence in Young’s ability to win games (or just not to lose them) that it’s unfair to the rest of the locker room to trot him out, then how does that change?

Young has completed just 55.4 percent of his passes this season and has thrown three interceptions and no touchdowns. Carolina is 0-2. It follows a disappointing rookie season when he was no better, finishing 29th among NFL starters in Total QBR.

It’s definitely a tough spot for Bryce Young and the Panthers. The challenges he’s faced so far are substantial, and the criticism he’s receiving reflects broader concerns about his fit and effectiveness as a franchise quarterback. Here are a few aspects that could play into the unfolding narrative:

1. Expectations vs. Reality: Being the No. 1 overall pick comes with immense expectations, and falling short can amplify the scrutiny. Young’s struggles, particularly in a franchise with a history of instability and underperformance, make it more challenging for him to meet those lofty expectations.
2. Support System: The Panthers’ environment, including coaching changes and roster issues, plays a significant role in Young’s development. A lack of stability and a dysfunctional team structure can hinder any young quarterback’s progress. If the team fails to address these underlying issues, it could further stymie Young’s growth.
3. Long-Term vs. Short-Term Assessment: Evaluating Young’s performance after such a brief period can be premature, but the urgency for immediate results in the NFL often skews perspectives. If Carolina is unable to provide a conducive environment for Young to develop, it might set him back further or force the team to reconsider its approach sooner than anticipated.
4. Franchise Decisions: The Panthers’ decision-making going forward will be crucial. They need to balance the immediate need to win games with the long-term goal of developing Young into a reliable starter. If they mismanage this balance, it could lead to more significant problems down the line.
5. Fan and Media Pressure: The narrative surrounding Young and the Panthers will be influenced by fan and media reactions. The perception of him as a potential bust or a great quarterback in the making will be shaped by how the team handles his development and whether he shows any signs of improvement.

It’s still early in Young’s career, and while the situation looks bleak now, history shows that quarterbacks can turn things around with the right support and adjustments. However, the Panthers need to act wisely and strategically to ensure that their decisions in the coming months and years set the stage for long-term success rather than compounding the current problems.