Carolina Panthers Exercise Bryce Young's Fifth-Year Option
Carolina Panthers General Manager Dan Morgan announced on Tuesday that the team will pick up the fifth-year option for quarterback Bryce Young. The option is estimated to be worth $26.5 million for the 2027 season.
Young, selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, has started 44 regular-season games with a record of 14-30. He made one playoff start during the recent wild-card loss to the Los Angeles Rams.
GM's Statements and Player Development
Morgan stated that Young has "shown flashes of greatness this year against high-level competition." He acknowledged the team's inconsistency and expressed excitement about Young's continued development and chemistry with receivers and other team members.
Young's performance in the 2025 season marked career-highs with 3,011 passing yards, a 63.6% completion rate, and 23 touchdown passes. The Panthers concluded the 2025 season with an 8-9 record, winning the NFC South, before their playoff defeat to the Rams (34-31). In that game, Young completed 21-of-40 passes for 264 yards, one touchdown, and one interception, alongside a 16-yard rushing touchdown.
Morgan remarked on Young's increased command and daily improvement throughout the season.
Future Considerations
The decision to exercise Young's fifth-year option was announced significantly earlier than the May 1 deadline, signaling strong organizational support. Morgan and Executive VP of Football Operations Brandt Tilis are currently discussing whether to initiate extension talks with Young before the 2026 season or to wait. A precedent cited involved former Panthers GM Dave Gettleman, who waited until the summer before Cam Newton's fifth year to finalize an extension.