Panthers QB Bryce Young Cautioned Ahead of 2026 Season

Bryce Young has shown improvement since his initial rough rookie season for the Carolina Panthers. However, the pressure is mounting for the quarterback as the team has exercised his fifth-year option. This move doesn't fully endorse Young's performance; rather, it provides the Panthers with a low-risk way to determine if the former Alabama star can become the franchise's long-term quarterback.

If Young performs well in 2026, he could become one of the cheaper starting quarterbacks in the league in 2027. Conversely, if he fails to meet expectations, the financial commitment remains manageable. This season is crucial for Young, who has been the subject of scrutiny due to his uneven production and physical limitations. Despite improvements towards the end of his second season and the following year, Young's statistics are concerning.

He ranked 29th in net yards per attempt, 26th in EPA per play, and 25th in interception rate. While Young has made progress, former CBS Sports writer Zachary Pereles emphasizes that he must prove if that progress is sufficient for him to be the franchise quarterback. The Panthers are not expecting Young to become an immediate MVP, but they do expect to see enough from their top pick to believe he can lead the team in the future.