Carolina Panthers QB Bryce Young could change the narrative around him next season.
NFL analyst Gary Davenport of Bleacher Report believes Carolina Panthers QB Bryce Young will have a "breakout" 2026 season.
The Panthers recently picked up the fifth-year option on Young's contract, but Carolina is not expected to sign the QB to an extension this offseason.
Young is set to make $12.1 million next season in the fourth year of his rookie deal. His fifth-year option is worth a guaranteed $25.9 million.
"Three years into his career, Young has lost over twice as many starts as he's won," Davenport wrote. "He barely cleared 3,000 passing yards last season. And his career passer rating of 80.9 would have ranked 32nd in the league in 2025. With all that said, Young also heads into the 2026 campaign with the best team around him of his career, whether it's the skill-position talent or the offensive line in front of him.
"Familiarity with the offense. Better passing game targets. Improved blocking. Everything Young needs to take that next step is there. And he has hundreds of millions of reasons to take it."
Young finished the 2025 season with 3,011 passing yards, 23 passing touchdowns, 11 interceptions, 216 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns. He led the Panthers to the playoffs for the first time since the 2017 campaign.
The Panthers lost to the Los Angeles Rams in the 2026 playoffs' wild-card round at home. Young played well in his playoff debut. The youngster had 264 passing yards, one passing touchdown and one rushing touchdown.
Young enters next season with 8,291 passing yards, 49 passing touchdowns, 30 interceptions, 718 rushing yards and eight rushing touchdowns in a Carolina uniform. He's 14-30-0 as a starter.
If Young plays well next season, he will likely get an extension next offseason.
However, if Young underperforms in 2026, he could get traded.
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