This was always going to happen.
The Carolina Panthers have officially picked up the fifth-year option on starting quarterback Bryce Young's contract.
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.
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.
Even though the Panthers made the playoffs last season, all signs point toward Young not getting an extension this offseason. He just hasn't been consistent enough to warrant big money.
Carolina VP of football operations Brandt Tilis said last month that extension talks haven't taken place with Young and his camp.
"Nothing's changed. I got the eval right. He was ascending. So, nailed that. I was happy about that," Tilis said, via The Athletic. "But we haven't had any discussions with his agent about a contract. And any that we would have, we would just keep internal anyway. It's still the same. Still evaluating and just curious to see where it all goes and very excited about Bryce and all that he brings to us."
If Young plays well in 2026, he will probably get an extension next offseason.
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