No 2026 Extension Expected Between Panthers, QB Bryce Young

When speaking to the media on Monday, Panthers executive vice president of operations Brandt Tilis acknowledged (via Joe Person of The Athletic) Young has not yet reached his ceiling at the NFL level. The former No. 1 pick lost his starting gig at one point, although 2025 brought about improvements in a number of areas. Carolina won the NFC South, but a step forward from last year’s 8-9 showing on the part of the team in general and its quarterback in particular is being sought out.

The Panthers, to no surprise, picked up Young’s fifth-year option in April. That decision leaves him on track to collect $25.9MM in 2027. The top of the quarterback is more than double that amount in terms of annual compensation, but Carolina has not yet seen enough to determine if a long-term commitment is worthwhile. Tilis added “we’ll see how the year plays out” when speaking about Young; that certainly appears to be confirmation no deal will be struck in the coming weeks.

Seeking a long-term answer under center after a string of poor play in the post-Cam Newton era, the Panthers traded up to the No. 1 slot in 2023 to select Young. That move drew criticism when his rookie campaign resulted in the Bears – owners of Carolina’s top selection in 2024 – allowed Chicago to draft Caleb Williams one year later. Young’s future was in doubt when he was benched midway through his second season, but he has experienced incremental growth under head coach Dave Canales. Continued progress would go a long way in further developing the team’s offense but also helping the 25-year-old’s chances of securing a big-ticket extension.

12 passers are currently attached to a deal averaging $51MM per year or more per season. The likes of Daniel Jones and Sam Darnold represent rare examples of veterans landing less valuable contracts at the QB spot, but at Young’s age an extension near the top of the market will no doubt be his goal. Fellow 2023 draftee C.J. Stroud has enjoyed a more successful start to his NFL career, although he and the Texans are not a lock to work out a deal prior to Week 1.

The Panthers’ most lucrative contracts are currently found on the defensive side of the ball and along the offensive line. That is positioned to change over time as the members of the team’s skill-position core play out their respective rookie deals, and Young is of course the most notable player to monitor on that front. His level of play in 2026 will be critical given the further indication of no new deal being imminent in his case.