Bryce

Young

Per Wolfe, the Panthers have had “a great start” at organized team activities (OTAs), which is somewhat confusing because the Panthers’ first OTA session is scheduled for May 26th. Young is apparently impressing someone on the field somehow, though. Regardless, Wolfe believes the Panthers’ offseason has made them “true contenders” capable of winning 10-12 games. They have won 13 over the past two years. If Young really is stepping up his game, that is good news for WR1 Tetairoa McMillan’s potential second-year leap. He posted a 70/1,014/7 receiving line en route to earning OROY honors last year. Young has a long way to go before we can view him as anything more than a fantasy QB2. Hopefully, the positive reports continue to roll in. If the Panthers really can win double-digit games, Young will ostensibly play a key role in the effort.

It’s not surprising given that Young hasn’t exactly delivered a full stretch of excellent play at any point in his first three years, despite showing real flashes in some games last year. The Panthers front office has largely talked about a Young extension as an idea or something to talk through rather than a certainty. They did pick up his fifth-year option earlier this offseason, so there’s no rush. It’s not surprising that the Panthers haven’t committed to Young yet — they surely hope a better supporting cast this year will help make the decision easier for them next offseason.

Bryce Young and the Panthers will total 8,740 air miles during the regular season, by far the lowest mark in the league. The 49ers are slated to lead the NFL with more than 38,000 air miles thanks to east coast trips and an international game. Though Carolina found their way into the postseason last year, they struggled through much of the season, finishing 24th in point differential, below the Falcons and Steelers, among other teams. The team continues to “talk through” a potential extension for Young, who over the past two seasons ranks 33rd out of 43 qualifying quarterbacks in EPA per drop back.

In an appearance for NFL Network, Morgan stated the Panthers are talking through an extension for Young and will be in touch with his agent. The Panthers picked up the quarterback’s fifth-year option this offseason, putting him under contract through 2027. Morgan was noncommittal on an extension happening this offseason, saying “when a contract happens, we’ll see about that.” Young has faced his own ups-and-downs throughout his Panthers tenure and his 2026 campaign will define his contract beyond 2027.

This is purely a formality, as Panthers GM Dan Morgan said all the way back in January that the team would take Young’s option. The move keeps Young under contract through the 2027 season. He will make $26.5 million fully guaranteed that year. Carolina invested heavily in their offense via the draft this offseason. They took Georgia tackle Monroe Freeling in the first round and added a downfield threat for Young in the third round with Tennessee’s Chris Brazzell. Even though he’s under contract for two more years, 2026 is shaping up to be a make-or-break season for Young.

Pavia, the fiery 2025 SEC Offensive Player of the Year who threw for 29 touchdowns and eight interceptions in his final collegiate season, shapes up as a Day Two or Three selection in the 2026 draft. Completing 70.5 percent of his passes at a high 9.94 adjusted yards per attempt, Pavia is among the most productive quarterbacks in this draft class and could slot in as a backup behind Bryce Young, who, like Pavia, is short in stature. “I feel like a lot of teams love the tenacity, the fight,” Pavia said at the 2026 NFL Combine. “The life of an underdog, that’s for sure. And, so, they ask questions. But you go back, you look at my record, ain’t nothing on my record. I just want everyone to know what’s true about me is I’m humble and I get my confidence from my process.”

Morgan gave a lengthy reply when fielding a question about trading QB Andy Dalton to the Eagles, highlighting the importance of mobility at the position. Dalton, 38, lacks it. We do not get the sense that the Panthers are searching for a new, immediate starter, but adding “another young guy to the mix” for competition’s sake is on Morgan’s mind. He notes that heading into the draft, the team thinks there are going to be “options” at the quarterback position for them to consider. Head coach Dave Canales has not had the opportunity to develop his own prospect since taking the job. Perhaps he gets a chance to do so this year. Young is currently backed up by QB Kenny Pickett.

Canales has already turned over play-calling duties to offensive coordinator Brad Idzik. Now, he hopes Young will also have more opportunities in 2026 to make adjustments at the line of scrimmage and take advantage of mismatches he sees. Canales said he loves “the strides (Young has) taken in terms of the operation” but wants him to take more “ownership” next season. Young had his best season as a pro in 2025, throwing for 3,011-23-11 while completing 63.6 percent of his passes. Young made clear strides in his second season under Canales, but may need to show more growth this season if he hopes to earn a long-term extension.

Carolina general manager Dan Morgan said Tuesday that the team would exercise Young’s option. Young in 2025 showed signs of life as a viable starting NFL quarterback, posting career highs in drop back success rate (45 percent) and adjusted yards per attempt (6.3). Young now has 49 touchdowns to 30 interceptions over three NFL seasons. Morgan added Tuesday that the Panthers were “up in the air” about a long-term deal for Young, 24. He’ll be the team’s starter for at least the next two years in any case.

“We’re still talking through the roster,” Morgan said of a long-term extension for Young, whose play improved in 2025 as the Panthers made the postseason for the first time since 2018. “It’s up in the air and we’re still working through it.” Young in 2025 had a career-high 45 percent drop back success rate, in line with Caleb Williams and Tyler Shough. He also posted a career-best 6.3 adjusted yards per attempt. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported reported the Panthers are expected to pick up Young’s fifth-year option this offseason. It would be surprising if Carolina committed to Young, 24, long term in the coming months.