“It’s definitely not over,” Carolina Panthers running back Miles Sanders declared, defending his embattled quarterback Bryce Young. But for several NFL teams, it might just be the beginning of a high-stakes pursuit. The league’s rumor mill is churning out spicier gossip than a high school cafeteria, with Young at the center of swirling trade speculation.

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter on September 22, 2024, multiple teams have been lighting up the Panthers’ phone lines, expressing interest in the second-year quarterback. Despite head coach Dave Canales insisting they’re not looking to trade Young, the buzz around the league suggests otherwise. As Schefter put it, “it’s only a matter of time before Carolina actually does complete a deal.”

Dolphins make waves in young sweepstakes

The Miami Dolphins are apparently leading the pack in this QB chase. With Tua Tagovailoa’s future uncertain due to his concussion history, Miami is looking for a safety net. As ESPN’s Dan Graziano reported on September 20, “Coach Mike McDaniel could potentially view Young as a player who could thrive in his quick-release offense.”

Young’s not exactly setting the world on fire with his stats. The Panthers are a woeful 2-16 with him at the helm–the worst record through 18 games for any quarterback picked first overall in the Super Bowl era. His Total QBR this season? A paltry 9.1. That’s lower than some folks’ golf handicaps.

But here’s where it gets juicy. Young’s salary this year is a bargain-basement $915,000. However, any team trading for him would be on the hook for a fully guaranteed $10.13 million over the next two seasons. It’s not pocket change, but for a potential franchise QB? Some teams might see that as a steal.

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Young’s teammates are still in his corner. Veteran wide receiver Adam Thielen said, “Watching him practice today, the throws he was making, his confidence — you know he can do this at a high level.”

Rams and Jets Quarterback carousel spinning

While the Dolphins are making headlines, the Los Angeles Rams and New York Jets aren’t sitting idle. Both teams are knee-deep in quarterback drama that could make Young an enticing option.

Over in LA, the Rams just got Jimmy Garoppolo back from his two-game timeout. But let’s be real – Jimmy G isn’t exactly the long-term answer Sean McVay’s been dreaming about. Matthew Stafford‘s still slinging it, but Father Time’s undefeated, folks. The Rams’ receiving corps looks like a MASH unit, with Cooper Kupp sidelined. Stafford’s trying to make lemonade out of lemons, telling reporters, “It’s body language. I don’t mean they run completely different route trees, (it’s) more in the fact that the way they might separate is going to be different.”

Now, picture Young in McVay’s offense. The kid’s got talent – he just needs the right stage. And LA? That’s one heck of a stage.

As for the Jets, they’re riding the Aaron Rodgers rollercoaster. Sure, A-Rod lit up the Pats on September 20, throwing for 281 yards and two touchdowns. But at 40, he’s closer to collecting Social Security than leading a long-term franchise revival.

The Jets hedged their bets by bringing in Tyrod Taylor on a two-year deal. But c’mon, we all know Tyrod’s a Band-Aid, not a cure. With Zach Wilson’s future cloudier than a Seattle sky, Young could be the bolt of lightning the Jets need.

Bottom line? Young’s got options, and these teams are hungry. It’s like musical chairs out there, and when the music stops, Young might just find himself in a shiny new uniform. Stay tuned, football fans – this show’s just getting started.

Catch some more insider information and predictions in the ES ThinkTank episode below starring Doug Sanders.