NFL executive, coach sound alarms about potential Bryce Young extension

A recent report indicated that the Carolina Panthers will eventually pick up the fifth-year option for 2027 attached to the contract for quarterback Bryce Young. That said, Young will be eligible to sign an extension with the Panthers this coming offseason. 

ESPN's David Newton shared that some noteworthy members of the NFL community had warnings for the Panthers about making a commitment to Young following the ongoing campaign. 

Is Bryce Young playing for Panthers career through Week 18?

"The next four [games] are vital,'' one former NFL coach said about Young's future. "He lacks consistency. ...He has to play more consistent.''

The first pick of the 2023 NFL Draft, Young endured a rocky rookie season that included the in-campaign firing of head coach Frank Reich. Current Panthers head coach Dave Canales then benched Young in September 2024, but the 24-year-old ultimately returned to the lineup later in the season and has since served as Carolina's full-time starter when healthy. 

The 7-6 Panthers began Thursday trailing the 7-6 Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the NFC South standings. Tampa Bay hosts the 4-9 Atlanta Falcons on Thursday night, while Carolina plays at the 3-10 New Orleans Saints Sunday. 

One unnamed executive suggested the Panthers shouldn't be in a hurry to sign Young to a multi-year deal even if Carolina qualifies for the postseason tournament. 

"He has not shown an ability to consistently make the entire offense better with him," the executive said. "Basically, he has two years to earn an extension if you pick up his option year.''

Pro Football Reference stats show that Young ended Week 14 tied for 23rd in the league among qualified players with a 45.9 adjusted QBR, 22nd with an 87.9 passer rating and 25th with an average of 194.8 passing yards per game for the season. Over 12 games, he threw 18 touchdown passes and nine interceptions. 

Bryce Young about to play games that will be "most meaningful of his career"

Back in the summer, rumors hinted that the Panthers could look to replace Young with a veteran signal-caller in the spring or summer of 2026. Such a move seems unlikely unless he produces a handful of nightmare outings over the next month, but he still has yet to show he can be a long-term answer for any team. 

"These last four games mean a lot,'' another NFL executive said about Carolina's handling of Young. "They will be the most meaningful of his career. They will tell you a lot about what his ceiling is.'' 

As of Thursday afternoon, DraftKings Sportsbook had the Panthers as three-point road favorites over the Saints.