In the 2023 draft, three of the top four picks were quarterbacks. So far, two of the three have been benched.

After two weeks, Bryce Young – the first overall pick the Panthers took after moving up from No. 9 – was removed from the starting lineup for Andy Dalton. After eight weeks, the fourth pick, Anthony Richardson, was traded for Joe Flacco.

The previous exception was Texas quarterback CJ Stroud, the second overall pick and the 2023 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year.

Stroud’s Houston team continues to thrive. At 6-2, the Texans are well on their way to securing a playoff spot for the second year in a row. The Panthers, on the other hand, are the worst team in the league. The Colts could make the postseason at 4-4. If they do, Joe Flacco will play quarterback.

The future for Young and Richardson is bleak at best. Young started 19 games and won only two. (He returned to the lineup Sunday because Andy Dalton was injured.) Richardson has 10 starts.

While it’s highly unlikely that either will be traded by Tuesday’s deadline, it’s fair to wonder what the offseason will bring. The Panthers will likely look for a new starter. The Colts could give Richardson a fresh start in Indy. Unless another team that coveted Richardson makes the Colts an offer they won’t refuse.

Then there is the possibility of regime change in Indy. That would likely hasten Richardson’s departure.

Whatever the outcome, it’s another example of young quarterbacks failing at their first NFL stops. As we’ve seen this year, there’s a chance they can get it done in time with a new team.

For Young and Richardson, the time could come as early as 2025. Unless there is a surprise trade by one or both within the next six days.