In the 2000 offseason, Lytle played for the Rhein Fire of NFL Europe and won World Bowl VIII.
[4] He made his NFL debut on October 22 in a 31–3 loss to the Oakland Raiders, but did not record any statistics.
[4] On December 4, 2000, Lytle was signed off the practice squad to the Carolina Panthers' active roster after defensive end Jason Peter was placed on injured reserve.
[8] Lytle began the 2001 season as the Panthers' third-string quarterback behind starter Chris Weinke and backup Dameyune Craig.
[9] His first career touchdown pass came on a four-yard grab by tight end Kris Mangum, but the Panthers fell to the Rams 48–14.
[5] Lytle threw just one pass in the game after Weinke went down with a concussion, and was intercepted by cornerback Fred Thomas.
[3] However, he failed to earn a job with the team on opening day and was released in favor of Jose Davis and John Dutton on February 2, 2004.