Panthers QB Bryce Young Comments on Contract Amid Owner's Statement

The Carolina Panthers are set to host the Chicago Bears in Week 1, the first game of the season for quarterback Bryce Young to prove to his owner that he deserves a long-term deal.

In a trade with the Bears, the Panthers gave up DJ Moore, a 2023 first-round pick, a 2023 second-round pick, a 2024 first-round pick, and a 2025 second-round pick in exchange for the 2023 No. 1 pick that became Young. 

Young saw the headlines this week where the Panthers’ NFC South rival, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, gave Baker Mayfield a new deal. Young was happy for Mayfield, but said his focus is on the upcoming season, noting that his contract situation is outside of his control for the time being.

"For me, it's just about football; all that stuff happens. It's outside my control," Young said, via the Panthers. "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."

Young had his best season in 2025, throwing for 3,011 yards, 23 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions while leading the Panthers to an NFC South title.

Panthers owner David Tepper told reporters on Wednesday that he believes Young is capable of leading Carolina to a Super Bowl. He wants to see Young have a consistent season.

"I mean, you saw it," Tepper said of Young. "You know he can, and he has, not can, has performed at a high level against high-level competition. It seems to bring the best out of him.

"Bryce is the sort of guy that doesn't feel the pressure. He 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 can make a good impression by beating the Bears.