Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) looks on during the first quarter against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium.
Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
The Carolina Panthers enter the 2026 season with renewed attention on quarterback Bryce Young's long-term future, particularly after NFC South rival Baker Mayfield landed a three-year, $165 million extension worth $55 million annually with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Young, who is entering his fourth season, was asked about the situation on Wednesday but made it clear that his focus remains on football rather than contract negotiations.
The 25-year-old said he was “super happy” for Mayfield, however, when it comes to his own contract, Young pointed to the fact that the negotiations are outside his control.
“For me, it's just about football; all that stuff happens. It's outside my control,” Young said. “All that stuff, other people and upstairs and agents, all that.
“It's season time. We're going into Week 1; that's all that matters. We have all the inspiration. There's a great challenge ahead of us, and our first opponent, so that's all that I have the capacity to be focused on.”
Bryce Young says he’s happy for Baker Mayfield getting extension but isn’t focused on his own contract situation.
“It’s season time.” pic.twitter.com/Mr4fRvScJb
— Joe Person (@josephperson) September 9, 2026
Young is eligible for an extension after Carolina exercised his fifth-year option for the 2027 season, a decision that carries an estimated value of $25.9 million. Despite the Panthers repeatedly expressing belief in their quarterback, owner David Tepper declined to reveal whether the organization has offered Young a long-term extension.
Tepper did reaffirm his belief in the 23-year-old quarterback. When asked whether he still believes Young can help Carolina win multiple Super Bowls, Tepper said Young has “a lot of talent” and that the quarterback can succeed with the “right weapons and the right situation.”
The results from Young's 2025 campaign provide solid statistical support for that optimism. He set career highs with 3,011 passing yards, a 63.6% completion rate, 23 touchdown passes, a 2.1 touchdown-to-interception ratio and an 87.8 passer rating. He also helped the Panthers end a seven-year playoff drought by winning the NFC South at 8-9 and reaching the franchise's first home playoff game in a decade.
His late-game production was another major development. Young recorded six fourth-quarter comebacks last season and has 12 during his career. Over his last 25 regular-season games, he has thrown for 4,891 yards, 36 touchdowns and 15 interceptions.
However, his early-season results remain a concern. Young has lost all three regular-season openers of his career, completing fewer than half of his passes for 461 yards, two touchdowns and six interceptions while posting a 44.2 passer rating. Carolina has also started 1-3 in each of the past two seasons.
Young spent the offseason concentrating on the opening stages of plays, particularly his work before the snap. Head coach Dave Canales has repeatedly identified that area as a focus for continued growth.
With the Chicago Bears awaiting the Panthers in Week 1, Young has made it clear that his attention is on changing the team's recent opening-game results rather than his contract status.