Bryce Young is about to begin his fourth NFL season. Uncertainty looms over his future based on the lack of a Panthers extension in his case.
A contract was discussed by Carolina this spring, but as the offseason progressed it became clear no long-term commitment would be forthcoming. The Panthers will use 2026 as an evaluation period for the former No. 1 pick, although Young has drawn praise from members of the organization. That includes owner David Tepper.
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“He has performed at a high level against high-level competition,” Tepper said (via ESPN’s Mike Kaye). “It seems to bring out the best in him. Bryce is the sort of guy that doesn’t feel the pressure, right? You saw it against the Rams twice. When you have that kind of performance, you know it’s there.
“Can he bring it every single game? I believe he can. You know it’s there. So like I said, I’m a believer, and hopefully it comes true.”
Carolina picked up Young’s fifth-year option this spring. As a result, he is under team control through 2027. The 25-year-old is owed $25.9MM next year, but any long-term pact near the top of the quarterback market would cost at least twice as much. Young’s NFL career to date has not been consistent enough to convince the Panthers to make a commitment along those lines, similar to the case of C.J. Stroud and the Texans.
Steps forward have been taken by Young during head coach Dave Canales’ tenure, though. He set career highs in several categories last season while helping lead the Panthers to a playoff spot (albeit with a record of 8-9 to top the NFC South). Further progress in 2026 would go a long way in improving Carolina’s chances to reach the postseason once again while establishing Young as a long-term QB1 option.
Doubts about the Alabama product managing to deliver a sufficiently consistent and efficient season are certainly present as the 2026 campaign approaches for Carolina. If Young can build off last year’s showings, though, Tepper will be among those supporting a big-money investment.
