ESPN’s Senior reporter Mike Graziano wrote an article speculating that the Carolina Panthers should consider a Bryce Young trade involving the Miami Dolphins. The former #1 overall pick, who was just benched by the Panthers, could potentially be a perfect fit in South Beach.
A Bryce Young trade to the Dolphins would be Valuable for Miami in 2024 and Beyond
Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa recently suffered his fourth diagnosed concussion. This unfortunate series of brain injuries has cast a major shadow over an otherwise bright career. Tagovailoa’s placement on IR guarantees that he will miss a minimum of four games this season. However, at this point, the length of his absence is truly unknown.
Not only does this leave the Dolphins, who excepted to be postseason contenders, in limbo for the 2024 season. The potential for another concussion, and a subsequent retirement, leaves Miami in constant fear their their franchise quarterback could be taken away without warning.
Bryce Young Trade: The Insurance Policy
Trading for a player like Young would provide the franchise with a level of needed insurance. While fans hope that new starter Skylar Thompson can establish himself as a component option, his upside is limited.
If Tagovailoa can return without injury, Young would become a legitimate backup with a sky-high ceiling. And, if tragedy were to ensue, the former Alabama superstar would bring stability to a unique situation.
Bryce Young Trade: The Established System
There is little doubt that Young has been one of the league’s worst starting quarterbacks since his NFL debut. In 18 NFL starts, the former #1 overall pick has thrown for only 11 touchdowns and 173.4 yards per game, while chipping in 10 interceptions. This is woefully poor production across the board.
While Young’s performance and confidence are both in question, Mike McDaniel has a reputation for rebuilding Tagovailoa’s career after a similarly discouraging start under former coach Brian Flores. Who better to help the most recent draft disaster reestablish himself as a legitimate NFL quarterback?
Additionally, the presence of stars like Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, and De’Von Achane would be a significant shift from Young’s level of playmaking talent. A 33-year-old Adam Thielen was by far Young’s best weapon in 2023. Now an underwhelming tandem of Diontae Johnson and Chuba Hubbard are his best options.
Miami represents a monumental upgrade in the roster, playmaking talent, coaching, and overall support. On paper, a Bryce Young trade makes all the sense in the world.
Bryce Young Trade: The Potential Price
The price tag here is important. Former NFL quarterback Chase Daniel recently proposed a three-team deal sending Young to the LA Rams, with future Hall-of-Famer Matthew Stafford coming to Miami. This deal included a second and third-round pick being exchanged for Young, with Stafford also in the mix.
Any asking price of a first-round pick for Young should be promptly squashed by Miami. In fact, a second-round pick is even too expensive for an expected backup. However, if Young’s benching in any way signals the Panthers’ first step in moving off their young signal caller (and the fact that Carolina is taking away an opportunity for Young to learn and gain experience through in-game action is certainly a sign that this may be the case) the price may be lower.
Should Carolina elect to cut ties in the form of a Bryce Young trade and focus 100% of their attention on an option in the 2025 draft, the Dolphins would be wise to offer as much as a third-round draft pick for a chance to rediscover the promise that the quarterback displayed in his dazzling college career.
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