Bryce Young’s third season with the Carolina Panthers has raised more questions than answers. His late surge in 2024 created some hope, but the momentum didn’t last into 2025.
Nov 9, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) reflects before the game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
The Panthers now face a major decision on whether to extend his stay or start planning for life after their 2023 top pick.
Young’s 2026 salary stands at $5.9 million, fully guaranteed. That figure doesn’t sound heavy for a starting quarterback, but it carries bigger implications.
The team must soon decide on his fifth-year option for 2027, which would guarantee about $25.6 million. For a player ranked 29th among 33 quarterbacks [with a Total QBR](https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/_/id/4685720/bryce-young) of 40.7, it’s not an easy call.
The decision gets tougher when we look at the production. Young’s yards per attempt have fallen to 5.6, the lowest among full-season starters. He has thrown deeper less often than almost anyone, completing only seven deep passes all year.
Even his short and intermediate accuracy has slipped, with one of the league’s highest off-target rates on non-deep throws.
The offense has adapted by leaning on running back Rico Dowdle and short completions to move the ball.
Injuries to the offensive line haven’t helped, but even with better protection, Young’s reads and timing have looked inconsistent. The improvement seen late last season now feels distant.
**Carolina’s Commitment to Bryce Young Hangs in the Balance**
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If the Panthers pick up the 2027 option, Young would remain central to their plans for at least two more seasons. Declining it would open several paths.
They could keep him another year to compete for his job, trade him to a new team, or bring in another quarterback to push him in camp.
The situation mirrors what the Giants once faced with Daniel Jones. He earned another chance after his option was declined and turned that into a new deal.
Young could follow that path, but Carolina’s leadership has changed since the trade that brought him in. The decision-makers who invested in him are gone, leaving little emotional attachment to the pick.
The Panthers must weigh patience against progress. If they believe Young can grow into a franchise quarterback, the option is a reasonable bet.
If not, 2025 might be his last real chance to prove he belongs in Carolina’s long-term picture.