Maybe NFL fans and pundits shouldn't sleep on the Carolina Panthers.
In a story called "1 Reason Every NFL Team Shouldn't Be Overlooked in 2026," NFL analyst Alex Kay of Bleacher Report named "Bryce Young evolving into a franchise quarterback" for the Carolina Panthers.
Last season, Young finished 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.
"With Young continuing to improve and confidence growing throughout the organization, the Panthers have every reason to believe they're capable of making an even deeper postseason run," Kay wrote.
The first overall pick in the 2023 draft, 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.
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.
The Panthers have a difficult 2026 schedule. They face the Chicago Bears, Atlanta Falcons, Cleveland Browns, Detroit Lions, Philadelphia Eagles, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Green Bay Packers, Denver Broncos, New Orleans Saints, Baltimore Ravens, Minnesota Vikings, Cincinnati Bengals, Pittsburgh Steelers and Seattle Seahawks.
Most NFL insiders don't expect the Panthers to sign Young to an extension this offseason since the QB has been too inconsistent. Young has to play well again next season to earn an extension.
The Panthers open the 2026 season against the Bears. That should be a fun game, as Young goes up against fellow No. 1 pick Caleb Williams.
"Bryce is continuing to take the next steps," Panthers head coach Dave Canales said. "What I see from Bryce, right now, is ownership and mastery of the concepts. And now, I just see the timing, the rhythm and just the me-to-you factor with his guys.
"Watching him throw anticipatory balls to T-Mac [Tetairoa McMillan], to Jalen [Coker], to David Moore . . . so, I just see his level of comfort really showing up with the guys."
Carolina is off on Thursday but returns to practice on Friday.
