Panthers Owner David Tepper Doesn't Hold Back When Asked About Bryce Young

Carolina Panthers owner David Tepper is a "believer" in starting quarterback Bryce Young. 

That's what Tepper told reporters during a rare media session. 

"He has performed at a high level against high-level competition," Tepper said, via ESPN. "It seems to bring out the best in him. Bryce is the sort of guy that doesn't feel the pressure, right? You saw it against the Rams twice. When you have that kind of performance, you know it's there. Can he bring it every single game? I believe he can. You know it's there. So like I said, I'm a believer, and hopefully it comes true."

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 first overall pick in the 2023 draft, Young enters this 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.

Young is set to make $12.1 million this season in the fourth year of his rookie deal. His fifth-year option is worth a guaranteed $25.9 million.

The Panthers will not sign Young to an extension before the 2026 season. The QB has to play well again this season to get paid next offseason.

“For me, it’s just about football; all that stuff happens. It’s outside my control,” Young said, via the team’s website. “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.”

Carolina hosts the Chicago Bears to open the 2026 season. Young vs. Caleb Williams should be a fun game.  

Brad Idzik will call the Panthers' offensive plays this season. Idzik has been the Panthers' OC for the past few seasons, but 2026 will be the first year he calls plays. 

Panthers head coach Dave Canales called plays in 2024 and 2025. He gave that title to Idzik after last season.