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The NFL offseason has officially entered the OTA phase as minicamps and training camps draw closer. After a busy free agency period and NFL Draft, teams across the league are focused on building rosters capable of competing in 2026.
The Carolina Panthers are coming off an unexpected playoff run in 2025. They nearly upset the Los Angeles Rams at home in the Wild Card round.
Much of that progress has centered around quarterback Bryce Young. After exercising his fifth-year option this offseason, general manager Dan Morgan indicated the organization is open to discussing a long-term extension. The bigger question, however, is whether the Panthers should prioritize an extension now? Or wait to see how Young performs in 2026?
MORE: Only one defender ever struck fear in Tom Brady
Young has improved each season since the Panthers selected him first overall in the 2023 NFL Draft after trading up to acquire the pick.
Apr 27, 2023; Kansas City, MO, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Bryce Young (left) poses with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell after being selected by the Carolina Panthers as the No. 1 pick in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft at Union Station. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Still, his development has not been without setbacks. Following a difficult rookie campaign, the former Alabama standout was briefly benched during his second season. That move, however, may have helped spark his turnaround.
Since returning from the benching in 2024, Young has thrown 38 touchdowns against just 17 interceptions. That marks a significant improvement from the 11 touchdowns and 13 interceptions he recorded during his rookie season and the start of the 2024 campaign.
Despite that progress, the Panthers still need to see another leap from Young before committing to a massive extension. Waiting until next offseason to negotiate a new deal could make the most sense for the franchise.
MORE: 2026 NFL International Series schedule announced: Full list of games
Quarterback contracts continue to skyrocket, even for mid-tier starters. If Young delivers another strong season and continues his upward trajectory, a lucrative extension would be easier to justify.
Nov 9, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) looks to pass during the third quarter against the New Orleans Saints at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
However, if his development stalls or regresses, a long-term deal signed this offseason could quickly become difficult to move on from. Waiting another year would give Carolina greater flexibility and a clearer picture of Young’s long-term outlook.
Currently, the NFL’s highest average annual quarterback salary belongs to Dak Prescott at $60 million per year. Meanwhile the middle tier of the market sits closer to Baker Mayfield’s $33 million annually.
Young’s asking price would likely land much closer to Prescott’s number than Mayfield’s. The question now is whether the Panthers should pay him now or wait until 2027.
Continue reading...
The Carolina Panthers are coming off an unexpected playoff run in 2025. They nearly upset the Los Angeles Rams at home in the Wild Card round.
Much of that progress has centered around quarterback Bryce Young. After exercising his fifth-year option this offseason, general manager Dan Morgan indicated the organization is open to discussing a long-term extension. The bigger question, however, is whether the Panthers should prioritize an extension now? Or wait to see how Young performs in 2026?
MORE: Only one defender ever struck fear in Tom Brady
Young has improved each season since the Panthers selected him first overall in the 2023 NFL Draft after trading up to acquire the pick.
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Apr 27, 2023; Kansas City, MO, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Bryce Young (left) poses with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell after being selected by the Carolina Panthers as the No. 1 pick in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft at Union Station. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Still, his development has not been without setbacks. Following a difficult rookie campaign, the former Alabama standout was briefly benched during his second season. That move, however, may have helped spark his turnaround.
Since returning from the benching in 2024, Young has thrown 38 touchdowns against just 17 interceptions. That marks a significant improvement from the 11 touchdowns and 13 interceptions he recorded during his rookie season and the start of the 2024 campaign.
Despite that progress, the Panthers still need to see another leap from Young before committing to a massive extension. Waiting until next offseason to negotiate a new deal could make the most sense for the franchise.
MORE: 2026 NFL International Series schedule announced: Full list of games
Quarterback contracts continue to skyrocket, even for mid-tier starters. If Young delivers another strong season and continues his upward trajectory, a lucrative extension would be easier to justify.
You must be registered for see images attach
Nov 9, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) looks to pass during the third quarter against the New Orleans Saints at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
However, if his development stalls or regresses, a long-term deal signed this offseason could quickly become difficult to move on from. Waiting another year would give Carolina greater flexibility and a clearer picture of Young’s long-term outlook.
Currently, the NFL’s highest average annual quarterback salary belongs to Dak Prescott at $60 million per year. Meanwhile the middle tier of the market sits closer to Baker Mayfield’s $33 million annually.
Young’s asking price would likely land much closer to Prescott’s number than Mayfield’s. The question now is whether the Panthers should pay him now or wait until 2027.
Continue reading...
